Administration of Branched-Chain Amino Acids in the Pre- or Post-Hatch Period Improves the Fiber Characteristics of Pectoralis major Muscle in Turkey Poults Subjected to Early or Delayed Feeding

Poultry meat quality is controlled by muscle fiber properties associated with body weight gain in the immediate pre- or post-hatch period. This study aimed to determine effect of administration branched-chain amino acids blend (BCAAb, 3 L-leucine:1 L-isoleucine:2 L-valine) period on growth performance and characteristics Pectoralis major (PM) turkey poults subjected early delayed feeding. Newly hatched from eggs injected ovo BCAAb received no injection were used a 21-d study. Poults (n=192) produced without starter diet supplemented (BCAA) not (C) (2 g/kg) immediately delay 48 h (48BCAA 48C) after hatching. (n=36) (IOBCAA) mg /ml) water immediately. The BCAA IOBCAA had higher than those C, 48C, 48BCAA birds. C was 48C PM poults, while that poults. treatment increased protein content meat, compared treatments. type IIB area I IIA percentages but decreased fiber, other numbers total fibers In conclusion, administering enhanced improved