Abstract
This study investigated the effects of microenapsulated hydrolyzed tannins (MHTs) on the growth performance and meat quality of Zhongshan shelducks. A total of 288 healthy Zhongshan shelducks with an average initial weight of 1790.27 ± 0.14 kg were randomly divided into four groups through a 56 d experiment period and were fed a basal diet supplemented with 0 (CON), 400, 800, and 1600 mg/kg MHTs, respectively. Results showed that 400 and 800 mg/kg MHTs improved the final body weight, average daily gain, glutathione peroxidase activity, and total antioxidant capacity compared to CON (p ≤ 0.05). The diet supplemented with 400 mg/kg MHTs decreased shear force and 800 mg/kg MHTs increased the yield of pectoralis major muscle compared to CON (p ≤ 0.05). Dietary MHTs increased inosine monophosphate content and decreased percentage C14:0 content in meat; however, the b*45 min value, 48 h drip loss, and shear force were increased but the percentage intramuscular fat (IMF) content was decreased in pectoralis major muscle with the increase in MHTs (p ≤ 0.05). Compared to CON, 400 and 800 mg/kg MHTs increased the percentage content of IMF, C18:1n-9, C18:2n-6, monounsaturated fatty acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and unsaturated fatty acids in pectoralis major muscle (p ≤ 0.05). Furthermore, 400 and 800 mg/kg MHTs improved the lipid metabolism of IMF deposition, fatty acid uptake, and adipogenesis by activating the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma pathway to regulate fatty acid synthetase and lipoprotein lipase genes. In conclusion, diets supplemented with 400 and 800 mg/kg MHTs could improve growth, meat quality, antioxidant capacity, and lipid metabolism in Zhongshan shelducks.