Meat Quality and Chemical Composition of Broiler Chicken Produced on Ideal Protein Concept Using the Most Limiting Amino Acid

Resumen

The ideal protein concept based on the most limiting amino acid is the standard to meeting the
amino acid requirements for optimum growth and development of poultry bird. Lysine is the second
most limiting amino acid in the diets of poultry birds. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects
of dietary lysine on the muscle quality and chemical composition of 288 broiler chickens. Six
experimental diets were formulated such that Diet 1 (control) contained 20% crude protein and
supplemented with DL-methionine and L-lysine while Diets 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 contained 20, 17, 14, 11
and 8% crude protein with amino acids supplementation respectively. Two hundred and eighty eight
(288) day-old Arbor Acres broiler chicks were randomly assigned into 6 dietary treatments in four
replicates using a completely randomized design (CRD) and each replicate contained 12 birds. The
birds were subjected to the feeding trial for 56 days. Sample birds were weighed before slaughter and
properly drained of blood. The carcass was scalded, eviscerated and dissected into major cuts. The
results show that the pH of drum stick muscle differed significantly (p<0.05) among the treatment
diets while the pH of breast and thigh muscles was not affected (p>0.05). The water holding capacity
was not significantly influenced (p>0.05) as simulated amino acid diets increased for all muscles
types. The study revealed that feeding simulated amino acids with varying levels of crude protein
significantly influenced the moisture, crude protein, fat and mineral (ash) contents in breast muscle of
broiler chicken.