In recent years, the scientific community has focused on the effects on animal health [1] of antioxidant molecules present in the by-products and co-products of the agri-food supply chains, particularly used to supplement the feed ration of animals of veterinary interest [2]. The aim of the present study was to formulate a feed functionalised with bioactive molecules of Olea europaea fed to adult 'commercial hybrid' pigs of Large White x Landrace x Duroc breed fed with polyphenols during the finishing period for 90 days. The study focused on the functional quality of pig meat, lipid composition and morpho-functional aspects of muscle fibres. Pigs were divided into two groups: a control group fed a standard diet and a group fed a standard diet enriched with polyphenolic extract of Olea europaea (300 mg/head/day). Qualitative-quantitative analyses of the bioactive compounds present in the diet were performed and after slaughtering, the psoas major and longissimus dorsi muscles of the two groups of pigs were sampled for histological and molecular evaluation in order to assess the effects of the diet supplemented with bioactive molecules compared to the standard diet. In particular, the DPPH assay showed an increase in anti-radical activity in the meat of the group fed with functionalised feed, while the acid profile of the lipids of the same group of pigs, obtained by gas-chromatographic analysis, showed a significant increase in total unsaturated fatty acids with a reduction in omega 6 and an increase in omega 3 (PUFA) and omega 9 (MUFA). In conclusion, we can hypothesize that the administration of functional feed to livestock may contribute to improving the functional quality of pork and the animal's response to oxidative stress. With a view to future perspectives, our results may contribute to improve breeding techniques aimed at animal welfare and production quality.
Effects of functional feed on morpho-functional characteristics and antioxidant capacity in finishing pigs
Elena De Felice;
2023-01-01
Abstract
In recent years, the scientific community has focused on the effects on animal health [1] of antioxidant molecules present in the by-products and co-products of the agri-food supply chains, particularly used to supplement the feed ration of animals of veterinary interest [2]. The aim of the present study was to formulate a feed functionalised with bioactive molecules of Olea europaea fed to adult 'commercial hybrid' pigs of Large White x Landrace x Duroc breed fed with polyphenols during the finishing period for 90 days. The study focused on the functional quality of pig meat, lipid composition and morpho-functional aspects of muscle fibres. Pigs were divided into two groups: a control group fed a standard diet and a group fed a standard diet enriched with polyphenolic extract of Olea europaea (300 mg/head/day). Qualitative-quantitative analyses of the bioactive compounds present in the diet were performed and after slaughtering, the psoas major and longissimus dorsi muscles of the two groups of pigs were sampled for histological and molecular evaluation in order to assess the effects of the diet supplemented with bioactive molecules compared to the standard diet. In particular, the DPPH assay showed an increase in anti-radical activity in the meat of the group fed with functionalised feed, while the acid profile of the lipids of the same group of pigs, obtained by gas-chromatographic analysis, showed a significant increase in total unsaturated fatty acids with a reduction in omega 6 and an increase in omega 3 (PUFA) and omega 9 (MUFA). In conclusion, we can hypothesize that the administration of functional feed to livestock may contribute to improving the functional quality of pork and the animal's response to oxidative stress. With a view to future perspectives, our results may contribute to improve breeding techniques aimed at animal welfare and production quality.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
