Growth performance parameters and selected quality traits of meat and femoral bone of broiler chickens fed diet supplemented with amorphous diatomaceous earth

Growth performance parameters and selected quality traits of meat and femoral bone of broiler chickens fed diet supplemented with amorphous diatomaceous earth. This study was aimed at analyzing the effect of the addition of amorphous diatomaceous earth to feed on growth performance parameters and selected quality traits of meat and femoral bone of broiler chickens. The study was conducted with 60 fast-growing Ross 308 broiler chickens, reared until 42nd day of age and divided into a control group (C) and two experimental groups (D2 and D4) (20 birds each). The diatomaceous earth (diatomite) was administered to the birds’ feed from the groups D2 – 2%, D4 – 4%. Individual body weight, feed intake and mortality of chickens were controlled. On day 42 of rearing, six males were selected from each group for slaughter followed by dissection. Dressing percentage, content of muscles and giblets (gizzard, liver and heart), were calculated, and in samples of breast and leg muscles the chemical and physicochemical properties were analyzed. Resistance of the femoral bone to fractures was determined. The addition of diatomite did not affect the health status of chickens. Significantly higher body weight at 42nd day of rearing was noted in the group C vs D4 (P ≤0.05). Significantly higher (P ≤0.01) content of pectoral muscles and lower (P ≤0.05) fat in the carcass of group D2 vs C were noted. The addition of diatomaceous earth did not affect the chemical composition of the breast muscles. The fat content in leg muscles was significantly reduced (P ≤0.05) and water content was increased (P ≤0.05) in group D2 vs C. Femoral bones of D4 birds were significantly more resistant (P ≤0.05) to breaking than in C. Direct relationship between the amount of diatomite and the strength of the femur was found. The most optimal supplementation was considered as 2%.