Effect of Fermented Cereals, Probiotics, and Phytase on the Sensory Quality of Poultry Meat

Abstract The sensory properties of poultry meat obtained from meat-type broiler chickens fed with fermented cereals and two different fermented supplements, and Japanese quails (Coturnix japonica) fed diets including fermented cereals (wheat, barley or oats), three probiotics (from E. faecium, B. subtilis, S. cerevisiae) and two different phytase preparations were evaluated. Fermented grains (particularly wheat and barley) decreased the sensory quality of meat. The use of three probiotic products and phytase did not negatively influence the sensory quality of the quail meats. The diets containing S. cerevisiae (probiotic) produced a highly appreciated meat. The less preferred meat samples were obtained from the quails fed diets containing fermented wheat, fermented barley, and E. faecium, due to the off-flavour and odour as well as tanginess. The supplementation of naturally or yeast-fermented liquid whey and lemon pomace was very effective to overcome the bad sensory quality (fish and metallic off-flavour and taste) of the broiler meat obtained by administering the control diet (rich in vegetable oil and fermented wheat).