Effect of feeding of prefermented bioproduct containing gamma-linolenic acid and beta-carotene on selected parameters of broiler chicken meat quality

The aim of the work was to evaluate the effect of addition of prefermented bioproduct with a increased content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (especially gamma-linolenic acid) and beta-carotene into commercial feed on the selected qualitative parameters. The chemical composition, the color, the loss of water, the pH and the concentration of lactic acid of the meat of broiler chickens (COBB 500) were monitored. Bioproduct was prepared from corn scrap, which was fermented using the lower filamentous fungus Umbelopsis isabellina CCF2412. The prepared material was mixed into the commercial compound feed intended for broiler chickens at a ratio of 10%, and was fed from the 11 th day of age of the chickens until the time of slaughter. The obtained results were compared with the results of control group, which was represented by broiler chickens fed only with a commercial compound feed. Feeding of bioproduct, in terms of chemical composition, affected mainly the fat content in breast and thigh meat, which was lower in the experimental group. Meat color (measured by colorimetric assay) was not affected and differences were significant only at a value a*, which was higher in the experimental group. Statistically significant differences in the water losses of meat were not recorded, but the feeding of bioproduct affected the pH of the meat, and also the concentration of lactic acid and both parameters were higher in the meat of control group.