Effect of 1% Schizochytrium limacinum supplementation on omega-3 enrichment of broiler meat under commercial field conditions.

This study evaluated the effects of dietary supplementation with 1% dried Schizochytrium limacinum on fatty acid composition and omega-3 (ω-3) enrichment of broiler meat under commercial field conditions. The aim was to assess ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) enrichment across different meat portions and to determine whether the resulting levels may meet criteria for nutritional labeling. A total of 36,905 Cobb 500 broilers were assigned to a control group fed a basal diet and an algae-supplemented group receiving the same diet with added microalgae. Production performance parameters were recorded, and breast, leg, and wing meat samples were analyzed for fatty acid composition using gas chromatography. Supplementation did not affect body weight, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, or mortality. However, supplemented birds exhibited higher total ω-3 PUFA content in all meat portions, mainly due to enhanced deposition of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and, to a lesser extent, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). DHA increased approximately 11-, 16-, and 13-fold in breast, leg, and wing meat, respectively. Total ω-6 fatty acids were not affected, resulting in lower ω-6/ω-3 and arachidonic acid (ARA)/EPA ratios. The total EPA + DHA content in fresh tissue reached approximately 26 mg/100 g in breast and 90 mg/100 g in leg and wing portions. Leg and wing portions, analyzed with skin, met the criteria for labeling as "high in omega-3 fatty acids," whereas breast meat remained below the threshold required for the "source of omega-3 fatty acids" claim. Overall, the present study suggests that dietary supplementation with 1% Schizochytrium limacinum may enhance ω-3 PUFA content in broiler meat under commercial production conditions without compromising performance, and may contribute to improved nutritional value of poultry products.