NUTRITIONAL VALUE AND CONTENT OF MINERAL ELEMENTS IN THE MEAT OF BROILER CHICKENS FED BOSWELLIA SERRATA SUPPLEMENTED DIETS

The aim of the study was to assess the effect of different levels of Boswellia serrata supplementation in broiler chicken diet on the basic chemical composition and the Ca, Mg, Cu, Fe, and Zn content in breast and drumstick muscles. The analyses involved 200 Ross 308 chickens divided into 4 groups. The broiler chickens were fed diets containing 0 (C), 3 (BSR3), 4 (BSR4), and 5% (BSR5) of Boswellia serrata resin. In the chicken breast and drumstick muscles, the contents of dry mass, total protein, crude fat, and crude ash were determined and their energy value (net Atwater equivalents) was calculated. Additionally, the Ca, Mg, P, Fe, Zn, and Cu levels were determined. In the present study, there were no differences in the proportion of the breast and drumstick muscles in the carcass or in their dry mass, total protein, and crude ash content. The supplementation of broiler chicken diets with 3% (BSR3) and 4% (BSR4) of Boswellia serrata resin decreased quadratically (P < 0.05) the content of crude fat and the calorific value of the breast and drumstick muscles. An increased level of Ca (control vs. BSR diets, and linear, P < 0.05) in the breast muscles and P (control vs. BSR diets, and quadratic, P < 0.05) in the drumstick muscles was noted in the BSR3 and BSR4 chicken groups. The Mg content in the muscles of the examined broiler chickens remained at a similar level, irrespective of the amount of the supplement added. The BSR supplementation reduced Cu (in the breast and drumstick muscles) (P < 0.05) and Fe retention (in the drumstick muscles) (C vs. BSR, linear, P < 0.05). Further investigations are necessary to elucidate the mechanisms associated with the effect of Boswellia serrata on the level of microelement retention in muscles. In summary, Boswellia serrata can be considered a good feed additive with a positive impact on the dietary value of poultry meat.