复合益生菌发酵饲料对纳雍土鸡生长性能、屠宰性能和肉品质的影响

文章旨在研究复合益生菌发酵饲料对纳雍土鸡生长性能、屠宰性能和肉品质的影响,试验采用单因素试验设计,将120只40日龄的健康纳雍土鸡随机分成2组(对照组和试验组),对照组饲喂基础日粮,试验组饲喂复合益生菌发酵饲料,检测平均日增重、平均日采食量、料重比、屠宰率、半净膛率、全净膛率、胸肌率、腿肌率、a*值、b*值、L*值、p...     

非常规饲料原料日粮对肉牛生长性能、胴体性状、肉品质及经济效益的影响

文章旨在评估不同非常规饲料原料替代浓缩料对肉牛生长性能、胴体性状及肉品质的影响。试验选择初始体重为（291.69±5.7）kg的肉牛80头,随机分为4组,每组20头,每头牛为1个重复。对照组肉牛在8周试验期每天自由采食水稻秸秆粗饲料并补充基础浓缩料,处理组肉牛自由采食水稻秸秆粗饲料并分别补充用8%米糠、亚麻籽和葵花粕替代基础浓缩料混合物。结果：与米糠组相比,对照组和亚麻籽组肉牛的平均日增重分别显著提高10.74%和12.40%（P＜0.05）,同时米糠组肉牛的料重比较对照组和亚麻籽组分别显著提高11.69%和15.52%（P＜0.05）。亚麻籽组肉牛的背膘厚度较对照组和米糠组分别显著提高7.84%和8.65%（P＜0.05）。对照组肉牛眼肌C14：0脂肪酸含量显著低于处理组（P＜0.05）,而米糠组肉牛眼肌饱和脂肪酸含量较对照组显著提高16.55%（P＜0.05）,单不饱和脂肪酸含量显著降低11.95%（P＜0.05）。亚麻籽和葵花粕组眼肌中蛋氨酸含量较对照组和米糠组分别显著提高168%、179.17%和154%、164.58%（P＜0.05）。结论：在本研究条件下,用8%亚麻籽替代浓缩料饲喂肉牛可以提高肌肉蛋氨酸含量,对肉牛生长表现及肌肉脂肪酸组成无负面影响。 [关键词]非常规原料|肉牛|生长性能|胴体性状|肉品质     

益生菌补充剂对断奶仔兔饲料效率、生长性能和微生物种群的影响

本研究旨在探讨单株或双株益生菌补充剂对断奶仔兔饲料效率、生长性能和微生物数量的影响。试验选择64只28 d断奶(公母各半)新西兰白兔,随机分为4组,每组4个重复,每个重复4只。对照组饲喂基础日粮,试验组分别在基础日粮中添加1×10^6 cfu/g枯草芽孢杆菌(BS组)、1×10^7 cfu/g乳酸菌(LA组)及0.5×106枯草芽孢杆菌+0.5×10^7 cfu/g乳酸菌(BL组)。结果显示:LA组在42 d时体重显著增加(P<0.05),BL组较对照组显著提高日增重和饲料转化率(P<0.05)。LA组和BL组的干物质、有机质、粗蛋白质、中性洗涤纤维、总能量消化率均显著高于对照组(P<0.05)。公兔回肠内芽孢杆菌和大肠杆菌数量均显著高于雌兔(P<0.05)。与对照组相比,BS组家兔肠道各节段的芽孢杆菌数量均高于对照组(P<0.05),而LA和BL组仔兔肠道乳酸杆菌数量显著高于对照组(P<0.05)。结论:日粮单独添加1×107 cfu/g乳杆菌或0.5×10^6 cfu/g枯草杆菌+0.5×10^7 cfu/g乳杆菌可以提高肠道有益菌群数量、营养物质消化率、盲肠发酵、饲料效率和生长性能。此外,仅添加乳杆菌的家兔肠道大肠菌群和粪便评分均有所下降。     

Effect of dietary supplementation of calcium butyrate on growth performance,carcass traits,intestinal health and pro‐inflammatory cytokines in Japanese quails

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the potential effect of dietary calcium butyrate on growth performance, carcass traits and gut health in Japanese quails. In total, 320 one‐day‐old Japanese quails were randomly assigned to 4 equal treatments, with 8 replicates of 10 Japanese quails, for 4 weeks. The Japanese quails in control treatment were fed control diet whereas in the other treatments the Japanese quails were fed diet supplemented with calcium butyrate at 0.3, 0.5 and 0.7 g/kg diet. Data concerning performance measurements were recorded weekly. In addition, eight Japanese quails (one/replicate) from each treatment were selected randomly for serum collection to measure pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory cytokines. Pooled faecal samples from each replicate of each treatment were also collected at three time points (0, 2 and 4 weeks) for count E. coli and C. perfringens. The results showed that after 7 days of the experimental period, Japanese quails fed calcium butyrate supplemented diet at 0.7 g/kg showed a greater (p < .05) body weight and a favourable (p < .05) feed conversion ratio than the other treatments. Moreover, serum superoxide dismutase and catalase activities were increased (p < .05) in Japanese quails fed calcium butyrate supplemented diet at 0.7 g/kg. Calcium butyrate supplementation at 0.7 g/kg was associated with reduction (p < .05) in TNF‐α, IL‐6 and IL1‐β, while IL‐10 was increased (p < .05). In addition, after 2 weeks of calcium butyrate supplementation, a reduction (p < .05) in E. coli and C. perfringens counts was observed in excreta of Japanese quails fed 0.5 and 0.7 g calcium butyrate/kg diets. It is concluded that calcium butyrate supplementation improves body weight gain, reduces E. coli and C. perfringens counts and has anti‐inflammatory/anti‐oxidant effect in Japanese quails.     

早期数量限饲对肉用仔鸡生产性能、胴体品质的影响

试验研究了早期数量限饲对肉用仔鸡生产性能、胴体品质的影响。以320只1日龄AA+肉用仔鸡为试验动物。设4个处理组,每个处理组4个重复,每个重复20只肉仔鸡。对照组根据AA+商品代肉鸡营养标准配制。各处理肉用仔鸡1～7日龄均为自由采食,8～14日龄对照组、限饲90%组、限饲80%组和限饲70%组分别饲喂自由采食量的100%、90%、80%和70%,15日龄恢复自由采食,以后按常规饲养管理。每周末,以重复为单位全部称重。分别于42、49日龄,每个重复随机抽取4只肉用仔鸡禁食12h、称重、屠宰、测定屠体品质。试验结果表明:在第2周,限饲各组肉仔鸡的体重和日增重分别显著低于对照组(P0.05);在第3周,限饲90%组完成补偿生长,体重与对照组差异不显著(P0.05);在第4周,限饲80%和70%组完成补偿生长,体重与对照组差异不显著(P0.05);5、6、7周及2～6、2～7周各组在体重、日增重、日采食量和饲料转化率等都无显著差异(P0.05)。早期数量限饲对肉仔鸡胴体特性没有显著影响(P0.05),限饲70%～80%,具有改善饲料转化效率、胸肌率、腹脂率的作用。     

Effects of humic substances supplementation provided through drinking water on performance,carcass traits and meat quality of broilers

The present study aimed at evaluating the effects of different doses of humic substances (HS) in waterer pan on broiler performances and meat quality. For the trial, 480 chicks (ROSS 308) were allocated into four groups (HS0, HS150, HS300 and HS450) of 120 equally mixed‐sex birds, each receiving a drinking water supplemented with 0, 150, 300 and 450 ppm of a humic acid (provided by 0.0%, 0.5%, 1.0% and 1.5% of HS, v/v) respectively. At the age of 21 and 42 days, feed consumption and live weight were taken. At the age of 42 days, 16 birds per treatment were slaughtered, dressing percentages, digestive tract traits were evaluated and samples of breast (pectoralis major) and thigh (iliotibialis) meat were taken to evaluate the changes in colour characteristics (CIE L*, a* and b*) and chemical composition. The body weight gain increased by the HS300 in relation to the HS0 and HS450, and decreased by the HS450 in relation to the HS0. The feed consumption of birds in the HS450 and feed efficiency of birds in the HS300 were lower and higher than those in the other treatments respectively. The carcass weight of broilers in the HS150 and HS300 were higher than those of in the HS0 and HS450. The carcass weight decreased by the HS450 in relation to the other treatments. The dressing percentage increased by the HS150 in relation to the HS450. The HS450 resulted in breast and thigh meat colour that were lighter than those found in the HS0 birds. The HS450 increased fat content of thigh meat in relation to the HS0. It was concluded that the humic acid supplementation at 300 ppm and 450 ppm appears to have a measurable impact on live performance improving feed efficiency and lightness of breast and thigh meat colours in broilers respectively.     

植物提取物对育肥猪生长性能、胴体性状、猪肉品质及抗氧化能力的影响

本试验旨在研究植物提取物对育肥猪生长性能、胴体性状、肉品质及猪肉抗氧化能力的影响。选用20头体重相近[(83.75±5.83 kg)]的PIC猪,随机分为对照组(基础日粮)和试验组(基础日粮中额外添加0.04%植物提取物),每个处理5个重复,每个重复2头猪。结果表明,两组间育肥猪采食量、日增重、料肉比和胴体性状差异不显著(P>0.05)。与对照组相比,试验组肉色a*45min值显著提高(P<0.05),L*96 h值极显著降低(P<0.01);4℃下储存0、3 d和7 d猪肉,试验组肉样中丙二醛(MDA)的含量显著降低,超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)活性显著提高(P<0.05)。因此,饲粮中添加植物提取物有利于储存中猪肉品质的改善。     

谷胱甘肽对肉羊生长性能、屠宰性能及肉品质的影响

选择东北细毛羊×德国肉用美利奴的杂交一代肉羊12只,分成对照组、试验Ⅰ组和Ⅱ组,每组4只,研究谷胱甘肽对肉羊生长性能、屠宰性能及肉品质的影响。试验期60 d。结果表明:与对照组相比,谷胱甘肽显著提高了肉羊的日增重(P<0.05),试验Ⅰ组、Ⅱ组分别提高了14.6%和11.4%;降低了肉羊的料重比(P<0.05),试验Ⅰ组、Ⅱ组分别降低了11.0%和8.1%。试验Ⅰ组的净肉率和GR值显著高于对照组(P<0.05),Ⅱ组的宰前活重显著高于对照组(P<0.05);试验Ⅰ组肉的剪切力显著低于对照组(P<0.05);试验Ⅰ组、Ⅱ组的滴水损失显著低于对照组(P<0.05),而熟肉率显著高于对照组(P<0.05),且两试验组间差异不显著(P>0.05);各试验组宰后45 min内肉的pH没有显著差异(P>0.05),但试验Ⅰ组24 h的pH极显著地高于其他2组(P<0.01)。     

Effects of fermented mushroom (Flammulina velutipes) by‐product diets on growth performance and carcass traits in growing‐fattening Berkshire pigs

This study was conducted to investigate effects of fermented mushroom (Flammulina velutipes) by‐product diets on the growth performance and carcass traits in growing‐fattening Berkshire pigs. The fermented diets mainly contained 40.0% mushroom by‐product, 20.0% formula feed, 26.0% rice bran and supplemental 0.1% probiotics. The mixed ingredients were fermented for 5 days at room temperature. Berkshire pigs (n = 225) were divided into five groups and three replications. The basal diets (C) were substituted by 10% (T1), 30% (T2), 50% (T3) and 70% (T4) fermented mushroom by‐product diets. Crude protein concentration and total calorie in fermented diets were significantly increased (P < 0.05) at the end of fermentation days compared with initial fermentation day. Body weight gain, feed efficiency and carcass weight were significantly lower (P < 0.05) in the T2, T3 and T4 groups than in the control group. Carcass grade was significantly better (P < 0.05) in the pigs fed fermented diets than in the pigs fed control diet and the ratio of high grade (1 plus 2 grades) was higher in the fermented diet groups compared with the control group. Therefore, although a diet of fermented mushroom by‐product decreased growth performance and feed efficiency, it improved the carcass grade in Berkshire pigs.     

甜菜碱对育肥猪生长性能、胴体品质和肉质的影响

试验选用体重70 kg左右、日龄相近、体质良好的杜长大三元杂交猪45头,采用单因子随机设计,分为对照组、试验1、2、3、4组,每组3个重复,分别饲喂添加0、500、1000、1500、2000 mg/kg甜菜碱的日粮,试验期30 d,研究甜菜碱对肥育猪生长性能、胴体品质和肉质的影响。结果表明,与对照组相比,试验2、3、4组日均采食量、日增重、屠宰率、瘦肉率、肉色评分、大理石评分显著提高(P<0.05),背膘厚度显著降低(P<0.05),试验1组各项指标有所改善,但效果不显著(P>0.05),本试验表明,饲料中添加甜菜碱可提高育肥猪生长性能,改善胴体品质和肉品质,其中添加1500、2000 mg/kg的甜菜碱效果较为理想。     

Genetic parameters for feed efficiency traits and their relationships with growth and carcass traits in Duroc pigs

Genetic parameters for feed efficiency traits of 380 boars and growth and carcass traits of 1642 pigs (380 boars, 868 gilts and 394 barrows) in seven generations of Duroc population were estimated. Feed efficiency traits included the feed conversion ratio (FCR), and nutritional (RFI(nut)), phenotypic (RFI(phe)) and genetic (RFI(gen)) residual feed intake. Growth and carcass traits were the age to reach 105-kg body weight (A105), loin eye muscle area (EMA), backfat (BF), intra-muscular fat (IMF) and meat tenderness. The mean values for RFI(phe) and RFI(gen) were close to zero and for RFI(nut) was negative. All the measures of feed efficiency were moderately heritable (h(2) = 0.31, 0.38, 0.40 and 0.27 for RFI(nut), RFI(phe), RFI(gen) and FCR respectively). The heritabilities for all growth and carcass traits were moderate (ranged from 0.37 to 0.45), except for BF, which was high (0.72). The genetic correlations of RFI(phe) and RFI(gen) with A105 were positive and high. Measures of RFI were correlated negatively with EMA. BF was more strongly correlated with measures of RFI (r(g) > or = 0.73) than with FCR (r(g) = 0.52). Selection for daily gain, EMA, BF and IMF caused favourable genetic changes in feed efficiency traits. Results of this study indicate that selection against either RFI(phe) or RFI(gen) would give a similar correlated response in carcass traits.     

Effects of dietary oleuropein supplementation on growth performance,serum lipid concentrations and lipid oxidation of Japanese quails

An in vivo experiment was conducted to compare the effects of dietary supplementation with oleuropein and/or α‐tocopheryl acetate on growth performance, serum lipid concentrations and lipid oxidation of Japanese quail meat during refrigerated storage. Performance and slaughtering parameters were not affected by dietary treatments. The diets supplemented with oleuropein at the levels of 150 or 200 mg/kg were more effective in delaying lipid oxidation in breast and thigh meats compared with the control diet. The dietary inclusion of neither vitamin E nor oleuropein at different levels did not significantly affect the fatty acid compositions of the breast meat compared with the control diet. The diets supplemented with oleuropein at the levels of 150 or 200 mg/kg had significantly the highest polyunsaturated fatty acid and omega‐3 fatty acid contents in thigh meat compared with the vitamin E diet. The ratio of omega‐6 fatty acids to omega‐3 FAs in thigh meat of quails fed diet supplemented with vitamin E at the level of 200 mg/kg was equivalent to those of quails fed the diets supplemented with oleuropein at the levels of 100 and 150 mg/kg . The results showed that the dietary oleuropein supplementation at 150 mg/kg level may be used in quail diets enriched with the polyunsaturated fatty acids of vitamin E as a natural antioxidant.     

不同纤维类型与水平对肉兔消化、生长性能和胴体性状的影响

本研究旨在评估日粮不同纤维类型和水平对肉兔生长性能、养分消化和胴体性状的影响.试验将35日龄断奶、体重一致的128只肉兔随机分为4组,每组32只,每组4个重复.试验日粮采用2×2因子设计,2个纤维水平(低和高可溶性纤维),2个木质素水平(低和高木质素水平).其中,T1组为低可溶性纤维低木质素,T2组为低可溶性纤维高木质...     

斜发沸石添加水平对育肥期苏淮猪生长性能、屠宰性能和肉品质的影响

本试验研究基础日粮中添加不同水平的斜发沸石对育肥期苏淮猪生长性能、肉品质的影响,旨在获得苏淮猪育肥期斜发沸石的适宜添加量。选择体重相近(50 kg左右)、健康的苏淮阉公猪40头,随机分为对照组、试验Ⅰ组、试验Ⅱ组、试验Ⅲ组共4个处理组,每组10头。预试期10 d,所有猪自由采食对照组基础日粮;正试期64 d,对照组饲喂基础日粮,试验Ⅰ至Ⅲ组分别在基础日粮中添加0.5%、1.0%和2.0%的斜发沸石。于试验结束屠宰全部试验猪,用于屠宰测定和肉质检测。结果表明:1)第1阶段(体重56~68 kg)和第2阶段(体重83~98 kg),终末体重、平均日增重、料重比均无显著差异;但斜发沸石水平对第1阶段和第2阶段平均日采食量影响显著(P<0.05)并呈线性(P=0.02,P=0.047)二次方升高趋势(P=0.01)。2)对照组、试验Ⅰ组、Ⅱ组和Ⅲ组苏淮猪的生长曲线拐点分别是:第50.26天86.06 kg、第40.22天87.15 kg、第38.27天89.69 kg和第45.98天89.02 kg;最大日增重分别是0.702、0.743、0.814和0.855 kg/d,说明在饲料中添加斜发沸石后,可延长育肥猪到达生长曲线拐点体重。3)斜发沸石水平对眼肌面积和肌内脂肪影响显著(P<0.05),眼肌面积随斜发沸石添加水平的升高,呈二次方(P=0.01)变化;肌内脂肪呈线性(P=0.01),二次方(P=0.03)升高;胴体重和系水力分别随斜发沸石添加水平的升高,呈线性(P=0.07,P=0.09)升高趋势。试验表明:苏淮育肥猪采食量、胴体重和肌内脂肪随日粮斜发沸石添加水平增加呈线性升高,系水力呈线性升高趋势,但眼肌面积随斜发沸石添加水平的升高,呈二次方变化,先升高后降低。因此,添加2%斜发沸石有利于采食量、胴体重和肌内脂升高,有助于系水力降低;但从增加眼肌面积的角度考虑,斜发沸石的适宜添加比例为1%。     

Effect of supplementation of multi-microbe probiotic product on growth performance, apparent digestibility, cecal microbiota and small intestinal morphology of broilers

The present study investigated the effect of inclusion of multi-microbe probiotic product on growth performance, apparent digestibility of nutrients, cecal microbiota and small intestinal morphology in broilers. Four hundred days-old Ross chicks were randomly allotted to five treatments on the basis of body weight (BW). Each treatment had four replicates of 20 chicks in each. Experimental diets were fed in two phases, starter (day 0-21) and finisher (day 22-35). Dietary treatments were; basal diet without any antimicrobial (NC), basal diet added with 20 mg Avilamycin/kg of diet (PC), 10(7) cfu multi-microbe probiotic/kg of diet (P1), 10(8) cfu multi-microbe probiotic/kg of diet (P2), and 10(9) cfu multi-microbe probiotic/kg of diet (P3). Overall BW gain and feed conversion ratio were better (p < 0.05) for treatments PC, P2 and P3 compared with NC and P1, with P1 being better (p < 0.05) than NC. Overall feed intake in treatments PC, P1, P2 and P3 were greater (p < 0.05) than NC. Apparent digestibility of dry matter and crude protein were greater (p < 0.05) in treatments PC, P2 and P3 compared with NC, with P1 being intermediate and not different form NC, PC, P2 and P3. At d 21 and 35, treatments PC, P1, P2 and P3 showed lower (p < 0.05) cecal Clostridium and Coliforms count in relation to NC. Moreover, cecal Clostridium (d 21) and Coliforms (d 21 and 35) count were lower (p < 0.05) in treatment PC in relation to P1; with P2 and P3 being intermediate and not different from PC. However, there was no effect of dietary treatments on cecal total anaerobic bacteria and Bifidobacterium spp. count. The villus height of duodenum in treatment PC was greater (p < 0.05) than NC, with P1, P2 and P3 being intermediate. Villus height of ileum in treatment PC was greater (p < 0.05) than in treatments P1 and NC, whereas it remained comparable among treatments PC, P2 and P3. Villus height to crypt depth ratio of ileum was greater (p < 0.05) for treatment PC, P2 and P3 compared with that in P1 and NC. It is concluded that multi-microbe probiotic inclusion at 10(8) and 10(9) cfu/kg diet had beneficial effects on broilers growth performance, apparent digestibility of nutrients and intestinal morphology and can be used as replacement to antibiotics growth promoter in broiler nutrition.     

Dietary mulberry leaf powder affects growth performance,carcass traits and meat quality in finishing pigs

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of mulberry leaves as an alternative source of protein on growth performance, carcass traits and meat quality in finishing pigs. A total of 180 Xiangcun Black pigs were randomly assigned to five treatment groups with six pens of six pigs per pen. The pigs were provided with a basal diet or a diet contained 3%, 6%, 9% or 12% of mulberry leaf powder during a 50‐day experiment period. The results showed that dietary mulberry leaf powder had no negative effect on growth performance in Xiangcun Black pigs, except in the 12% mulberry group, where final body weight and average daily gain decreased (p < .05) and feed to gain ratio of the pigs increased (p < .05). Dietary mulberry inclusion decreased (quadratic, p < .05) the back fat thickness, fibre mean cross‐sectional area (CSA) in the longissimus dorsi (LD) muscle and mRNA expression levels of myosin heavy chain (MyHC) IIb in LD and biceps femoris (BF) muscles, while increased (linear or quadratic, p < .05) the plasma concentration of albumin, levels of crude protein (CP), inosine monophosphate (IMP) and several amino acids in muscle tissues. When compared with the other groups, the 9% mulberry diet increased (p < .05) loin‐eye area and contents of CP and IMP in muscles, while decreased (p < .05) plasma activity of cholinesterase and concentrations of uric acid and urea. The 6% mulberry diet had the lowest fibre mean CSA and shear force and increased total fibre number of the LD muscle, when compared with the other groups. These results suggest that including mulberry in the diet at <12% is an effective feed crop to improve meat quality and the chemical composition of muscle without negatively affecting growth performance.     

Effects of dietary supplementation of selenium and iodine on growth performance,carcass characteristics and histology of thyroid gland in goats

This study assessed the effects of dietary selenium (Se), iodine (I) and a combination of both on growth performance, thyroid gland activity, carcass characteristics and the concentration of iodine and selenium in Longissimus lumborum (LL) muscle in goats. Twenty‐four bucks were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments: control (CON), basal diet without supplementation, basal diet + 0.6 mg Se/kg dry matter (DM) (SS), 0.6 mg I/kg DM (IP), or combination of 0.6 mg/kg DM Se and 0.6 mg/kg DM I (SSIP) and fed for 100 days. Animals fed diet SSIP exhibited higher (P < 0.05) body weight and better feed conversion ratio (FCR) than those fed other diets. Dressing percentage of goats fed the supplemented diets was higher (P < 0.05) than that of the control. Carcasses from the IP group had higher (P < 0.05) total fat proportion than the SSIP group. The levels of both elements were significantly elevated (P < 0.05) in LL muscle in supplemented goats. Thyroid follicular epithelial cells of IP and SSIP animals were significantly higher than those of CON and SS groups. The study demonstrated that the combined Se and I dietary supplementation improves growth performance, carcass dressing percentage and increases the retention of Se and I in goat meat.     

日粮添加马铃薯粉对育肥猪生长性能、胴体性状和肉品质的影响

本研究旨在评估非常规饲料资源马铃薯粉在育肥猪上的应用,研究其对猪生长性能、胴体性状和肉品质的影响.试验将450头体重一致的育肥猪随机分为3组,每组5个重复,每个重复30只.对照组饲喂基础日粮,两个处理组分别饲喂马铃薯粉添加水平为10％和20％的日粮,试验为期56?d.结果:与对照组相比,10％马铃薯粉组29～56?d及...     

木棉籽油对育肥猪生长性能、胴体性状、肉品质及经济优势的影响

文章旨在评估木棉籽油替代大豆油对育肥猪生长性能、胴体性状和肉品质的影响.试验将500头20?w平均体重为(84.40±0.18)kg的育肥猪随机分为2组,每组5个重复,每个重复50头.对照组饲喂含有1.5％大豆油的基础日粮,处理组饲喂含有0.8％木棉籽油的基础日粮,试验分为0～3?w和4～6?w共42?d.结果:对照组...     

Growth performance,carcass traits and meat quality of yellow‐feathered broilers fed graded levels of alfalfa meal with or without wheat

The effects of 0, 40 and 80 g/kg alfalfa meal on growth performance, carcass traits and meat quality of Chinese yellow‐feathered broilers fed diets containing or lacking wheat (0 or 200 g/kg) as part of the energy source, were examined using random design with a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement of treatments. Dressing percentage and semi‐eviscerated proportion were lower, and meat color a* (redness) value was higher in birds fed diets containing wheat than diets lacking wheat (P < 0.05). Drip loss was reduced by the addition of alfalfa meal to diets containing or lacking wheat (P < 0.05). Average sensory score of breast meat was higher in chickens fed corn‐based diets than in those fed wheat (P < 0.05). Meat from those supplemented with 40 g/kg alfalfa meal had better taste than the other two levels (P < 0.05). The inclusion of wheat significantly reduced the activities of creatine kinase and calpain of breast muscle (P < 0.05). In conclusion, Chinese yellow‐feathered broilers fed diets containing wheat had better meat color and lower drip loss than those fed the diets without wheat, and adding 40 g/kg alfalfa meal generally improved meat quality and taste.