Effect of dehulled lupin seeds in feed mixture on muscle protein quality of broiler chickens

The aim of the study was to prepare and test the effect of diets with 50% and 100% replacement of soybean meal with dehulled seeds of white lupin (Lupinus albus) variety Zulika. Two hundred and forty ROSS 308 broiler chickens were divided into control group (C) and two experimental groups E50 (50% replacement of soybean meal with dehulled white lupin meal) and E100 (100% replacement of soybean meal with dehulled white lupin meal). The production parameters and the amino acid spectrum of breast and thigh muscles were evaluated up to 34 days of age. Final live weight of broiler chickens was not significantly affected by the substitution of soybean meal in starter, grower and finisher diets (C 2.3 ±Â 0.3 kg, E50 2.4 ±Â 0.3 kg, E100 2.4 ±Â 0.3 kg). Lupine meal-based diets positively influenced chicken health, which was reflected in a lower mortality rate in the experimental groups (E50 5.0 %, E100 2.5 %) compared to the control group (C 7.5 %). Differences in feed conversion were minimal (C 1.47 kg/kg, E50 1.48 kg/kg, E100 1.45 kg/kg). When evaluating the total amino acid content in the breast and thigh muscle of broiler chickens of the experimental groups (E50, E100), it can be noted that compared to the C group, the total contents of both essential and non-essential amino acids were significantly (P ≤ 0.05) lower in the dry matter of thigh muscle.