Comparative evaluation of Schisandra chinensis and Viscum album var. coloratum (Korean mistletoe) powders on growth performance, carcass characteristics, serum cholesterol profiles, and meat quality of broilers

• Published in: Indian journal of animal sciences 2020-03, Vol.90 (2), p.212-217
• Main Author: SEO, B B
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Carcass characteristics; Growth performance; Korean mistletoe; Schisandra chinensis; Serum cholesterol
• ISSN: 0367-8318; 2394-3327
• DOI: 10.56093/ijans.v90i2.98810

Experiments were conducted to compare the effects of Schisandra chinensis and Viscum album var. coloratum (Korean mistletoe [KM]) powders on the growth performance, carcass characteristics, serum cholesterol, and meat quality of broilers. Arbor Acres male broiler chicks (240) were fed diets supplemented with 0% (control), 0.5%, and 1% S. chinensis, or 0.5% and 1% KM in a completely randomized design. There were no differences among the groups with respect to growth performance or carcass weight and carcass ratio, but there were differences in mortality and relative weights of organs (liver, spleen, and abdominal fat). Diets supplemented with S. chinensis or KM led to reductions in total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLC), and triglyceride levels and an increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC) level. However, the S. chinensis and KM supplements produced no significant differences in proximate composition. Higher levels of S. chinensis and KM supplementation led to significantly better lipid oxidation stability and chicken thigh-meat quality (color), but there was no effect on pH and b*(yellowness). Moreover, the addition of KM had greater antioxidant and immune system effects than those of S. chinensis. In conclusion, diets with a 1% KM supplement had the greatest effect on reducing mortality and serum cholesterol levels, and increasing the meat quality of broilers.