Summary
This controlled feeding trial examined the effects of replacing palm oil with flaxseed oil (at 2.5–4.0% inclusion) in village chicken diets on growth performance and meat fatty acid composition. Flaxseed oil supplementation significantly increased alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3) levels in both breast and thigh muscles compared to the control diet, with minimal adverse effects on weight gain or carcass yields. The findings demonstrate that flaxseed oil is a viable functional feed ingredient for enhancing the nutritional profile of village chicken meat, though higher inclusion rates showed slightly reduced ALA levels.
Regional applicability
Whilst UK poultry systems differ substantially in scale and breed (commercial versus village chickens), the mechanistic findings on flaxseed oil's effects on lipid deposition may inform feed supplementation strategies in heritage or free-range systems seeking to enhance meat nutritional quality. Tropical climate conditions may limit direct applicability to UK production environments.
Key measures
Growth performance metrics (body weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio), carcass lipid content, fatty acid composition (saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids), omega-3 and omega-6 PUFA concentrations, omega-3 to omega-6 ratio
Outcomes reported
The study evaluated the effect of dietary flaxseed oil supplementation on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and fatty acid composition (including omega-3 and omega-6 PUFA) in village chickens. Changes in lipid profiles and omega fatty acid ratios were measured as primary endpoints.
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