Soybean Lecithin High in Free Fatty Acids for Broiler Chicken Diets: Impact on Performance, Fatty Acid Digestibility and Saturation Degree of Adipose Tissue

Abstract

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the inclusion of soybean lecithin with a high free fatty acid content (L) in starter and grower–finisher broiler diets, as well as its influence on performance, energy and fatty acid (FA) utilization and the FA profile of the abdominal fat pad (AFP). A basal diet was supplemented with soybean oil (S; Experiment 1) or acid oil (AO; Experiment 2) at 3%, and increasing amounts of L (1%, 2% and 3%) were included in replacement. The inclusion of L did not modify performance parameters (p > 0.05). The S replacement by L reduced energy and total FA utilization (p ≤ 0.05) in starter diets; however, in grower–finisher diets, a replacement up to 2% did not modify energy and FA utilization (p > 0.05). The AO substitution by L produced no modifications on energy and FA utilization (p > 0.05) during the starter phase, while the blend of 1% of AO and 2% of L resulted in the best combination in terms of the FA digestibility. The FA profile of the AFP reflected the FA composition of diets. The addition of L could replace, up to 2% or be blended with AO in broiler grower–finisher diets as an energy source.