Effects of dietary myrtle oil (Myrtus communis L.) supplementation on growth performance, meat oxidative stability, meat quality and erythrocyte parameters in quails

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of myrtle oil dietary supplementation at four concentrations (500, 1000, 2000 and 5000 mg/kg/day) for 42 days on growth performance, erythrocyte parameters, meat quality and meat oxidation stability in quails fed with corn-soybean based diets. Whereas the weight growth was significantly delayed since the 14th day in quails receiving the highest dose compared to not supplemented controls, the 2 lowest doses (500 and 1000 mg/kg) have induced significant positive effects. In parallel, food intake was poorly affected and the food efficiency was significantly altered in birds supplemented with 5000 mg/kg/day. No significant effect of myrtle oil supplementation was evidenced on carcass traits, visceral organs, meat pH and sensory qualities. Haematocrit was markedly enhanced in birds supplemented with 1000, 2000 and 5000 mg/kg while the other erythrocyte parameters remained unchanged. Lipid oxidation in meat reflecting by the tissue MDA (malondialdehyde) content was remarkably reduced after 7 and 15 days long storage at 4 degrees C when quails have been supplemented with myrtle oil. These results show that because of its high content in antioxidants, myrtle oil added to diets, mainly at 1000 and 2000 mg/kg/day, may induce positive effects on growth and strengthen the meat oxidative stability in quails.