Adipose tissue deposition and cellularity in cimaterol-treated female broilers

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Poultry Science
• Nutritional Biochemistry

Background:

• Beta agonists are compounds used to modulate growth and carcass characteristics in livestock.
• Understanding the impact of feed additives like cimaterol on broiler development is crucial for efficient meat production.
• Adipose tissue development significantly influences carcass yield and meat quality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of dietary cimaterol supplementation on carcass yield and composition in female broilers.
• To analyze the impact of cimaterol on adipose tissue development, including growth and cellularity of various fat depots.
• To determine the age-related changes in carcass characteristics and adipose tissue in response to cimaterol.

Main Methods:

• Female broilers were fed a diet containing 0.25 ppm cimaterol from 4 weeks of age.
• Birds were sampled at regular intervals (4, 6, 8, 10, 12, and 16 weeks) for analysis.
• Measurements included eviscerated carcass yield, carcass composition (moisture, protein, lipid), and adipose tissue cellularity (adipocyte size and number).

Main Results:

• Cimaterol significantly increased carcass yield at 10 weeks of age (72.8% vs. 70.0%).
• Treated birds showed slower decreases in carcass moisture and protein, and slower increases in lipid percentage with age.
• Abdominal fat pad weight was significantly lower in cimaterol-treated birds at 16 weeks, with adipocyte diameter being more sensitive to treatment than cell number.

Conclusions:

• Dietary cimaterol supplementation positively influences carcass yield and modifies adipose tissue development in female broilers.
• Cimaterol appears to reduce fat deposition by affecting adipocyte size rather than number, particularly in specific depots.
• Further research into beta agonist effects can optimize broiler production efficiency and meat quality.