Alfalfa Silage Diet Improves Meat Quality by Remodeling the Intestinal Microbes of Fattening Pigs

Because the demand for pork is increasing, it is crucial to devise efficient and green methods to improve the quality and quantity of meat. This study investigated the improvement in pork quality after the inclusion of alfalfa meal or alfalfa silage in pig diet. Our results indicated that alfalfa silage improved meat quality more effectively in terms of water-holding capacity, drip loss, and marbling score. Besides, an alfalfa silage diet can affect the level of fatty acids and amino acids in pork. Further, alfalfa silage was found to improve meat quality by remodeling intestinal microbiota and altering the level of SCFAs, providing a viable option for improving meat quality through forage.

Automated summary

Due to the increasing demand for pork, it is important to find efficient and sustainable ways to improve meat quality. This study investigated the effects of alfalfa meal and alfalfa silage on pork quality, and found that alfalfa silage had a greater impact in terms of water-holding capacity, drip loss, and marbling score. Furthermore, the inclusion of alfalfa silage in the diet altered the levels of fatty acids and amino acids in pork, while also improving the intestinal microbiota composition and SCFA levels.