Effect of Light/Dark Cycle on Amino Acids and Protein in the muscle of Chicken

 

R. K. Pradhan* and Abhijit Ray

SOS Life Science, Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University, Raipur

 

ABSTRACT:

Poultry meat quality is affected by numerous factors. However, light schedule for rearing poultry birds is considered the most important factor for productions and meat quality. In the present study L:D 04:04, L:D 16:08, L:D 12:12 and LL conditions was utilized for rearing the birds. Water was provided ad libitum. Care was taken to prevent light entering the cage from outside. From each group nine birds were decapitated and tissues were obtained on 1st, 14th, 28th and 42nd days. The Tissues were stored at -20oC and was later estimated for total muscle protein and amino acid. The mean concentration and SE of free amino acid (gm/100gm) on LD 04:04, LD 16:08, LD 12:12 and LL was found to be 0.13 ± 0.01, 0.17 ± 0.02, 0.14 ± 0.01 and 0.19 ± 0.02 respectively and that of protein was 15.22 ± 1.23, 25.98 ± 1.00, 21.42 ± 1.21 and 25.79 ± 1.45 respectively. A significantly higher concentration of free amino acid in LL schedule as compared to LD 12:12 and LD 04:04 have been observed in the present study (p<0.05). Result suggests that continuous light may be beneficial for quality poultry meat production as higher level of free amino acid has also been implicated for lowering protein breakdown (Tipton and Wolfe, 2004). However statistical analysis of the data fails to detect any difference in the level of muscle free amino acid among the birds exposed to LL and 16:08 LD schedules. Similarly difference in the protein content between these two groups of birds was also not significant. Hence the LD schedule 16:08 may be more suitable and economic for quality meet production in poultry industry especially since it requires less energy for production.

 

KEYWORDS: Poultry, Meat quality, Protein content, Amino acid content, Light schedule

 

INTRODUCTION:

Poultry birds are farmed for their meat, eggs or feathers. Recently the poultry meat has been the fastest growing component of global meat market with ever increasing demands for quality meat. However, genetic selection for economically important traits has resulted in altered physical, biochemical, morphological, and quality characteristics of poultry muscles with increased physiological breakdowns (Siegel and Dunnington, 1987), musculoskeletal disorders (Sosnicki and Wilson, 1991), and poor quality meat (Mallia et al., 2000; Barbut, 1993, 1996, 1997, 1998). Xiong et al. (1993) reported significant differences among eight commercial strains in protein, fat, moisture content, pH, and protein extractability for both breast and thigh muscles. Differences in chemical composition and tenderness of muscles from different commercial genotypes have also been reported (Evans et al. (1976); Pandey et al. (1985)). Hence, studies to determine changes in physical and chemical characteristics of muscles in different strains or crosses are crucial, since such characteristics can impact the quality of raw and processed meat products (Richardson and Jones, 1987; Xiong et al., 1993).

 

Recently it has been shown that in conjunction with resistance exercise, the timing of protein intake and quality of protein are the key factors needed to enhance muscle growth (Borsheim et al., 2004; GSSI, 2002; Miller et al., 2003; Rasmussen et al., 2000; Tipton et al., 1999; Tipton et al., 2001; Tipton and Wolfe, 2004). Further, essential amino acids, in combination with adequate energy intake have been shown to reduce muscle breakdown and stimulate muscle growth through a positive net muscle protein balance (Tipton et al., 1999; Tipton et al., 2001; Tipton and Wolfe, 2004).

 

Light is one of the most important aspects in poultry research. Various light schedules on boilers have yield interesting results in last few decades. The effect of continuous light (CL), intermittent light (IL), increasing photoperiods, different light intensities, light sources and light colours on various physiological and biochemical parameters have been reported in poultry birds (Campo and Davila, 2002; Buys et al., 1998; Kristensen et al., 2006; Olanrewaju et al., 2006; John et al., 1993; Rahimi et al., 2005; Onbasilar et al., 2007; Blair et al., 1993; Renema and Robinson, 2001; Yahav et al., 2000; Lien et al., 2007; Blatchford et al., 2009; Davis et al., 1999; Prayitno et al., 1997). However, information on effect of these light dark schedules in the protein and amino acid content in the muscle of poultry birds is lacking. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of different light schedules on amino acids and protein contents in muscle tissue of poultry bird at different age.

 

MATERIAL AND METHOD:

Four separate light insulated cages were constructed, each attached with an electronic timer and 15-W compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) to control the light-dark schedule. Exhaust fan was also attached to provide adequate air circulation. Timers were adjusted to obtain L: D 04:04, L:D 16:08, L:D 12:12 and LL conditions in separate cages. Two hundred chicks of one day old poultry birds were obtained from Jayshree Poultry Farm, Raipur, India and divided in four groups. Fifty birds were placed in each cage. Birds were fed ad libitum with poultry starter feed from Godrej Agrovet Private Limited (ME= 3100 kcal/kg, crude protein=21.5%) till day 28 and the finisher feed from Godrej Agrovet Private Limited (ME= 3200 kcal/kg, crude protein=20.5%) was provided till day 42. Water was provided ad libitum. Every week 7 birds were removed to avoid overcrowding in pen due to increasing size of birds. Care was taken to prevent light entering the cage from outside. From each group nine birds were decapitated and tissues were obtained on 1st, 14th, 28th and 42nd days. The Tissues were stored at -20oC. 1 gm tissue was collected and used to determine the amino acid and protein concentration. Total muscle protein was estimated by the Folin-phenol method of Lowry et al. (1951) and free amino acid in the muscle tissue was determined following the method of Moore and Stein (1954). Statistical analysis of data was performed with the help of CoStat (CoHort Software; Version: 4.02, ©1990).

 

RESULT:

Concentration of amino acid and protein  (gm/100gm)  in the muscle tissue of chicken obtained  on day 1, day 14, day 28 and day 42 exposed to four different LD schedules (L:D 04:04, L:D 16:08, L:D 12:12 and LL) is shown in table 1 and 2 respectively. Table 3 depicts analysis of variance (ANOVA) of free amino acid concentration in muscle tissue. Result shows that effect of age, light schedule and interaction between age and light schedule has significant effect on free amino acid concentration in muscle tissue (p< 0.05). The mean concentration of free amino acid (gm/100gm) of all schedule on day 1, 14, 28 and 42 was found to be 0.10 ± 0.01, 0.20 ± 0.02, 0.18 ± 0.02 and 0.15 ± 0.01 respectively.

 

Table -1 Mean amino acid concentration (gm/100gm) and standard error in the muscle tissue of chicken as a function of age in different light schedules.

Schedule

Day 1

(Mean ± SE)

Day 14

(Mean ± SE)

Day 28

(Mean ± SE)

Day 42

(Mean ± SE)

04:04

0.10 ± 0.02

0.17 ± 0.04

0.06 ± 0.0

0.21 ± 0.02

16:08

0.10 ± 0.02

0.31 ± 0.07

0.12 ± 0.01

0.15 ± 0.01

12:12

0.10 ± 0.02

0.17 ± 0.02

0.21 ± 0.02

0.09 ± 0.01

LL

0.10 ± 0.02

0.16 ± 0.0

0.34 ± 0.01

0.17 ± 0.04

 

Table -2 Mean protein concentration (gm/100gm) and standard error in the muscle tissue of chicken as a function of age in different schedules

Schedule

Day 1

(Mean ± SE)

Day 14

(Mean ± SE)

Day 28

(Mean ± SE)

Day 42

(Mean ± SE)

04:04

24.98 ± 1.62

7.33 ± 0.40

10.58 ± 0.40

18.00 ± 0.40

16:08

24.98 ± 1.62

28.80 ± 0.57

17.87 ± 0.20

32.27 ± 0.27

12:12

24.98 ± 1.62

12.00 ± 1.58

25.69 ± 0.84

23.02 ± 2.18

LL

24.98 ± 1.62

12.98 ± 1.07

31.07 ± 0.23

34.13 ± 0.67

 

Highest free amino acid concentration in the muscle tissue of chicken was recorded on day 14, followed by day 28, day 42 and lowest on day 1 chickens. However analysis of data with Duncan’s multiple range tests reveals that amino acid concentration of 14 day old chickens significantly differ (p<0.05) from other age groups except 28 day (Figure 1).

 

 

Table-3 Summary of Analysis of Variance of amino acid concentration (gm/100gm) in muscle of chicken.

S.N

Source

SS

df

MS

F

P

1

Age

0.2353916667

3

0.0784638889

12.585686438

.0000 ***

2

Schedule

0.0842583333

3

0.0280861111

4.5050403787

.0049 **

3

Interaction                 (day x schedule)

0.5202138889

9

0.0578015432

9.2714254773

.0000 ***

4

Error

0.798

128

0.006234375

 

 

5

Total

1.6378638889

143

 

 

 

 

Table-4 Summary of Analysis of Variance of protein concentration (gm/100gm) in muscle of chicken.

S.N

Source

SS

df

MS

F

P

1

Age

2810.8655556

3

936.95518519

80.003763352

.0000 ***

2

Schedule

2750.6966667

3

916.89888889

78.291217001

.0000 ***

3

Interaction                 (day x schedule)

3358.1788889

9

373.13098765

31.860524076

.0000 ***

4

Error

1499.0577778

128

11.711388889

 

 

5

Total

10418.798889

143

 

 

 

 

 

Average concentration of amino acid (gm/100gm) in light schedules LD 04:04, LD 16:08, LD 12:12 and LL was found to be 0.13 ± 0.01, 0.17 ± 0.02, 0.14 ± 0.01 and 0.19 ± 0.02 respectively (Figure 2). Statistical analysis of data reveals that birds exposed to LL schedule had higher concentration of amino acid. However the level of amino acid in LL schedule differs significantly only (p<0.05) from LD 04:04 and LD 12:12.

 

Fig. 1. Amino acid concentration (gm/100gm) in chicken muscles at different age.

 

Fig.2. Amino acid concentration (gm/100gm) in chicken muscles across light dark schedule

Table 4 depicts analysis of data (ANOVA) on effect of age and light dark schedule on muscle protein of chickens. Result shows that effect of age, light schedule and interaction between age and light schedule has significant effect on free amino acid concentration in muscle tissue (p< 0.05). The mean concentration and SE of protein (gm/100gm) on day 1, 14, 28 and 42 is 24.98 ± 0.77, 15.28 ± 1.45, 21.3 ± 1.33 and 26.86 ± 1.25 respectively.

 

Figure 3 shows mean protein value is highest on day 42 followed by day 1, day 28 and lowest on day 14. When the data was subjected for statistical analysis a significant variations was observed in the protein contents of muscles as a function of age (p<0.05). Mean concentration and SE of protein (gm/100gm) in the different schedules such as LD 04:04, LD 16:08, LD 12:12 and LL was recorded as 15.22 ± 1.23, 25.98 ± 1.00, 21.42 ± 1.21 and 25.79 ± 1.45 respectively.   Figure 4 shows that mean value of protein is highest on LL and LD 16:08 followed by LD 12:12 and lowest on LD 04:04 and there is significant difference in their mean values except in LL and LD 16:08 schedule.

 

Fig. 3. Protein concentration (gm/100gm) in chicken muscles at different age.

 

Fig. 4. Protein concentration (gm/100gm) in chicken muscles in different light dark schedule

 

DISCUSSION:

Muscle Protein is one of the important factors determining meat quality. Higher protein content is considered good quality meat. A great dynamism is observed in skeletal muscles like all other proteins in the body (Schoenheimer et al., 1939). Protein accumulation occurs when total protein synthesis exceeds total protein breakdown. Several factors such as age (McDonald and Swick, 1981), nutritional status (Garlick et al., 1975) and hormones (Waterlow et al., 1978) are known to affect protein turnover rate.  For study of protein metabolism, chickens are considered useful model. Genetic manipulations and selection of suitable breeds has resulted approximately 50% more muscle mass (Mizuno and Hikami, 1971), larger diameter muscle fibers (Smith, 1963; Aberle et al., 1978) and more muscle fibers per muscle (Mizuno and Hikami, 1971) in boilers as compared to layers. However, varying light schedule has been reported to affect protein contents and meat quality in poultry bird. (Wen-bin Li et al., 2010)  In the present study, statistical analysis of data (ANOVA) detected a significant effect (p<0.05) of light dark schedules on muscle protein of chicken. Results shows that protein concentration is significantly higher among the chickens kept LD 16:08 and LL schedule as compared to other groups of birds. Whereas protein concentration in the muscles of birds reared in LD 04:04 schedule was significantly lower than other groups of chickens (p<0.05). Although a short light day cycle have been shown to be beneficial for weight gain in chickens (Mahmud et al, 2011), finding of the present study indicates that short light dark schedules may not be suitable for production of quality poultry meat.

 

Amino acids are the basic subunit of protein. Available reports shows that the specific amino acids are the key factors needed to enhance muscle growth (Borsheim et al., 2004; GSSI, 2002; Miller et al., 2003; Rasmussen et al., 2000; Tipton et al., 1999; Tipton et al., 2001; Tipton and Wolfe, 2004). Further, essential amino acids (EAA), in conjunction with adequate energy intake (calories) can minimize muscle breakdown and stimulate muscle growth through a positive net muscle protein balance (Tipton et al., 1999; Tipton et al., 2001; Tipton and Wolfe, 2004). In the present study, analysis of variance (ANOVA) result shows that  free amino acid concentration in muscle tissue is significantly affected by age and light schedules (p< 0.05)  The effect of interaction between age and light schedule is also highly significant in muscle amino acid (p< 0.05). Availability of free amino acid has been reported to influence the rate of protein synthesis in muscles (Robert et al., 2007; Hilder et al., 1971). A significantly higher concentration of free amino acid in LL schedule as compared to LD 12:12 and LD 04:04 have been observed in the present study (p<0.05). Result suggests that continuous light may be beneficial for quality poultry meat production as higher level of free amino acid has also been implicated for lowering protein breakdown (Tipton and Wolfe, 2004). However statistical analysis of the data fails to detect any difference in the level of muscle free amino acid among the birds exposed to LL and 16:08 LD schedules. Similarly difference in the protein content between these two groups of birds was also not significant. Hence the LD schedule 16:08 may be more suitable and economic for quality meet production in poultry industry especially since it requires less energy for production and light is one of the major factor in poultry industry.

 

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:

Authors sincerely acknowledge the help of Ms Gaytri Markam and Chaynica Nag for helping in estimation and calculation of data for preparing this manuscript. We are also thankful to Head, School of Life Science, Pt. R. S. U., Raipur for providing space and facility to execute this study.

 

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Received on 23.08.2011

Modified on 14.10.2011

Accepted on 28.10.2011              

© A&V Publication all right reserved

Research J. Science and Tech.  3(6): Nov.-Dec. 2011: 324-328