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Authors
Advisor(s)
Abstract(s)
The impacts of cumulative Chlorella vulgaris intake (proportion of microalga in the diet
multiplied by the total feed consumed by each bird) on broiler carcass traits, meat quality and ox-
idative stability were reviewed to identify the optimal intake levels for maximising benefits. Our
findings indicate that a cumulative intake of 8.73 g/bird significantly enhances thigh yield, while
levels ranging from 8.73 to 401 g/bird optimise carcass weight and overall meat quality. However,
higher cumulative levels may reduce carcass dressing percentage due to metabolic inefficiencies.
Furthermore, C. vulgaris intake improves the oxidative stability of broiler meat by increasing antioxi-
dant levels and balancing pro- and antioxidants. Including C. vulgaris in broiler diets boosts total
carotenoid content, and antioxidant assays confirm that it enhances meat oxidative stability, with
low to moderate cumulative intake levels (8.73 to 401 g/bird) providing the best balance of benefits.
Optimal oxidative stability and antioxidant properties were observed at a cumulative intake level of
401 g/bird, showing significant improvements in meat antioxidant capacity. Higher levels may lead
to diminishing returns or potential negative effects due to the digestibility issues of the microalga.
Future research should refine intake models, understand the bioavailability of C. vulgaris nutrients
and explore cost-effective methods to enhance its digestibility, to ensure its viability and sustainability
as a feed additive.
Description
Keywords
microalgae poultry cumulative intake carcass trait meat qualit oxidative stability
Pedagogical Context
Citation
Mendes, A.R.; Spínola, M.P.; Lordelo, M.; Prates, J.A.M. Assessing the Influence of Cumulative Chlorella vulgaris Intake on Broiler Carcass Traits, Meat Quality and Oxidative Stability. Foods 2024, 13, 2753. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13172753
Publisher
MDPI