Impact of Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum L. Gaertn.) Seeds in Broiler Chicken Diets on Rearing Results Carcass Composition and Meat Quality

摘要

This study shows how introducing milk thistle seeds into broiler chicken feed rations affects rearing results (weight gain, intake and conversion of feed), carcass composition and meat quality (pH, color, water holding capacity), the chemical composition (basic components, fatty acids) and organoleptic properties (flavor, tenderness, palatability and juiciness) of meat. Based on the results the use of milk thistle seeds in broiler chicken starter/grower diets can be recommended in the amount of 0/2% or 2/3%, respectively. However, the introduction of Silybum marianum in starter and grower rations (over the whole rearing period) made it possible to obtain the highest body weight at the lowest feed conversion per body weight gain unit, without influencing muscularity and fattening grade, at the same time improving the meat’s value for health.