A team of researchers from the University of Santa Catarina State and the Federal University of Santa Maria in Brazil explored the influence of supplemental inulin on meat quality when used in the diets of broilers facing a disease challenge.

“The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of inulin on feeding of broilers challenged with Clostridium perfringens and its consequences on the quality of breast meat,” ​the researchers said.

The study was published in the journal, Microbial Pathogenesis​.

Following the feeding trial, the team found that there were no major differences across the feeds for meat pH, color parameters, water retention capacity or “shear force cooking weight loss.”

Chickens that faced the disease challenge had reduced lipid peroxidation and an increase in activity from antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT)​, they said. Nitrate and Nitrite levels were reduced for birds facing the disease challenge and receiving either supplemental inulin or lincomycin compared to those on the control diet.

“We, therefore, conclude that inulin can replace antibiotics as growth promoters without causing changes in the physicochemical characteristics of meat. C. perfringens challenge caused lower lipid peroxidation and stimulated antioxidant responses in breast meat.”

Seeking antibiotic alternatives

Poultry remains a popular and commonly consumed protein, but the increased demand has pushed for optimized production, the researchers said.

To meet demand, there have been advances in bird genetics and nutrition, they said. However, the change in production practices has also increased stress for chickens and may render them more susceptible to disease.