Effect of a Mixed Fermented Loquat Leaf Tea By-Product on the Growth Performance and Meat Quality of Tsushima-Jidori Crossbred Chicken

In the present study, the effects of dietary supplementation with a mixed fermented loquat leaf tea residue (MFL) were evaluated on muscle α-tocopherol concentration and drip loss of Tsushima-Jidori crossbred chicken. MFL contained significantly less β-carotene, α-tocopherol, and total catechin than that of residues of green tea leaf infusion, although total polyphenol was significantly higher and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical-scavenging activity tended to be higher, indicating increased antioxidant properties. A total of 120 male Tsushima-Jidori crossbred chickens were divided into two groups at 62 days of age. The control group was fed a basal diet (commercial finisher diet containing 16.5% crude protein and 12.77 MJ/kg metabolizable energy) and the test group was fed a basal diet supplemented with MFL at a concentration of 1.0% until 90 days of age. Body mass, body mass gain, feed intake, and tissue mass did not significantly differ between the two groups. Dietary supplementation with MFL significantly increased breast muscle α-tocopherol concentration and reduced muscle drip loss. This was accompanied by a lower muscle K-value, which indicated the freshness of the meat. These results suggested that dietary supplementation with MFL improved the shelf life and water-holding capacity of breast muscles of Tsushima-Jidori crossbred chickens.