Effect of Two Different Types of Barley on the Performance, Meat Quality and Blood Properties of Broiler Chicken

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of two different types of barley on the performance, meat quality and blood properties of broiler chicken. A total of 320 Ross x Ross, day old male broiler chickens were divided into five different treatments with four replications (16x4x5 = birds x replications x treatments): commercial diet (control, CONTL); 5% Anthocyanin Fortified Barley (AFB05); 10% Anthocyanin Fortified Barley (AFB10); 5% Whole Crop Barley (WCB05); 10% Whole Crop Barley (WCB10). During the 5 weeks trial, broilers had free access to the different diets and water. In the starter period, weight gain was increased (p<0.05) both in 5 and 10% AFB feeding level than that of WCB, 5 and 10% inoculation. But no difference was found in feed intake and feed conversion. Though, the weight gain and feed conversion were not influence in the finisher period but feed intake was inclined (p<0.05) in control group and decline in the treatment group (AFB and WCB both 5 and 10% level). During the total period comparison, feed intake and weight gain was significantly higher in control and AFB feeding group than that of the WCB. Thereafter, shear force tended to be lower in AFB and WCB treatments than the control. No differences were apparent on meat color and pH but cooking loss was higher in 5% WCB feeding level. Total protein and albumin content in blood was significantly higher (p<0.05) in AFB feeding treatments. Highest liver weight was achieved by feeding 10% WCB. Consequently, abdominal fat deposition was significantly higher in control and 5% AFB feeding treatment. Therefore, AFB could be a dietary ingredient for broiler chickens but further study is necessary to determine the optimum ratio of AFB in the diet.