Tissue content of alpha-tocopherol and oxidative stability of broilers receiving dietary alpha-tocopheryl acetate supplement for various periods pre-slaughter.
1. The effects of dietary alpha-tocopheryl acetate on the alpha-tocopherol status of chicken plasma and tissues were investigated. The rate of iron-ascorbate-induced lipid peroxidation was also studied. 2. One hundred and forty four chicks were divided into 6 groups: one control group was fed a basal diet of 30 mg alpha-tocopheryl acetate/kg food for the duration of the trial. A supplemental diet of 200 mg alpha-tocopheryl acetate was fed to each of the other 5 groups for 1,2,3,4 or 5 weeks prior to slaughter. 3. Supplementation resulted in an increase in alpha-tocopherol in plasma and all tissues examined. Saturation levels of alpha-tocopherol were observed in plasma after 1 week of feeding and in tissues within 3 to 4 weeks of feeding. 4. Supplementation with alpha-tocopheryl acetate for up to 4 weeks pre-slaughter resulted in significant reductions in susceptibility to induced lipid peroxidation. 5. Overall, the results show that feeding 200 mg alpha-tocopheryl acetate/kg food to chicks for at least 4 weeks prior to slaughter is necessary to optimise muscle content and stability against lipid peroxidation.
Morrissey
P A
PA
Department of Nutrition, University College, Cork, Ireland.
Brandon
S
S
Buckley
D J
DJ
Sheehy
P J
PJ
Frigg
M
M
D000003:Abattoirs; D000821:Animal Feed; D000818:Animals; D001923:Brain Chemistry; D002645:Chickens; D005260:Female; D005527:Food, Fortified; D015227:Lipid Peroxidation; D008099:Liver / Q000737:chemistry; D008168:Lung / Q000737:chemistry; D008460:Meat / Q000032:analysis / Q000592:standards*; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000737:chemistry; D009206:Myocardium / Q000737:chemistry; D013997:Time Factors; D024505:Tocopherols; D014810:Vitamin E / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000032:analysis* / Q000097:blood; D024502:alpha-Tocopherol / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*
D014810:Vitamin E; D024502:alpha-Tocopherol; D024505:Tocopherols