Research Article
Sun-Dried Versus Blanched Avocado Leaf Meal: Effects on Broiler Chickens’ Carcass Traits, Meat Quality, and Sausage Sensory Attributes
Oluwatoyin Folake Alamuoye
,
Roseline Feyisayo Olafalayi*
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 2, June 2026
Pages:
16-26
Received:
25 March 2026
Accepted:
14 April 2026
Published:
10 June 2026
Abstract: This study evaluated the effects of dietary inclusion of sun-dried and blanched avocado (Persea americana) leaf meal (ALM) on carcass characteristics, non-carcass components, meat quality parameters, and sensory attributes of fresh meat and processed sausages in broiler chickens. One hundred and eighty broiler chickens were assigned to nine dietary treatments: control (T1), sun-dried ALM at 0.25% (T2), 0.50% (T3), 0.75% (T4), and 1.00% (T5); and blanched ALM at 0.25% (T6), 0.50% (T7), 0.75% (T8), and 1.00% (T9). At 56 days, birds were slaughtered for evaluation of carcass traits, organ weights, meat quality (pH, water-holding capacity, cooking loss, chilling loss), and sensory evaluation of fresh meat and sausages using a 9-point hedonic scale. Results showed significant treatment effects (p<0.05) on live weight, defeathered weight, and breast pH at 0 and 24 hours post-mortem. Live weight ranged from 2.40 kg (T7) to 3.07 kg (T6). Breast pH at 0 h ranged from 7.24 (T1) to 7.55 (T7), while 24 h pH ranged from 6.50 (T2, T7) to 7.51 (T8). Water-holding capacity showed significant variation (p<0.001), ranging from 14.00% (T7) to 42.00% (T5). Non-carcass organ weights showed no significant differences (p>0.05), indicating no pathological organ enlargement. Fresh meat sensory attributes showed no significant differences across treatments (p>0.05). However, sausage samples exhibited significant variations (p<0.001) in all sensory attributes, with T3, T4, T8, and T9 recording the highest overall acceptability scores (9.00). The severe pH elevation (7.51) in T8 at 24 h post-mortem indicated Dark, Firm, and Dry (DFD) meat condition, attributed to pre-slaughter stress from persin toxicity. Dietary inclusion of sun-dried ALM at 0.5-1.0% and blanched ALM at 0.5-0.75% maintained carcass characteristics and fresh meat sensory quality comparable to control, while significantly enhancing water-holding capacity and sausage sensory acceptability. However, 0.75% blanched ALM induced DFD meat condition, warranting caution at this inclusion level. Both processing methods produced nutritionally viable ALM, with sun-dried ALM at 1.0% and blanched ALM at 0.5-0.75% recommended for optimal meat quality and processed product acceptability.
Abstract: This study evaluated the effects of dietary inclusion of sun-dried and blanched avocado (Persea americana) leaf meal (ALM) on carcass characteristics, non-carcass components, meat quality parameters, and sensory attributes of fresh meat and processed sausages in broiler chickens. One hundred and eighty broiler chickens were assigned to nine dietary...
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Review Article
Plant Breeding Research in Ari, South Omo, Konso, and Basketo Zones: A Systematic Review
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 2, June 2026
Pages:
27-34
Received:
25 April 2026
Accepted:
2 June 2026
Published:
25 June 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.wjast.20260402.12
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Views:
Abstract: Plant breeding research remains a cornerstone for sustainable agricultural development, particularly in ecologically diverse and climate-vulnerable regions. In southern Ethiopia, the Ari, South Omo, Konso, and Basketo zones represent distinct agroecological systems with diverse cropping patterns and production constraints. However, breeding research conducted in these zones remains fragmented and poorly synthesized. This systematic review aimed to assess the scope, trends, breeding approaches, target crops, and major research gaps in plant breeding studies undertaken in the four zones. The review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) framework. Relevant literature published between 2000 and 2025 was retrieved from peer-reviewed journals, university repositories, institutional reports, and conference proceedings. Only studies conducted in, or explicitly reporting results from, the Ari, South Omo, Konso, and Basketo zones were included. A total of 48 studies met the inclusion criteria. total of 48 studies met the inclusion criteria, with most studies conducted in South Omo and Konso zones, while comparatively fewer studies were reported from Ari and Basketo zones, indicating uneven research coverage across the study area. Results revealed that sorghum, maize, enset, finger millet, cowpea, and root crops received the greatest research attention among breeding studies conducted in the four zones. The primary breeding objectives included drought tolerance, disease resistance, yield enhancement, early maturity, and farmer-preferred traits. Conventional and participatory breeding methods were the most commonly employed approaches, accounting for approximately 85–90% of the reviewed studies, whereas molecular breeding approaches were reported in only 4.2% of studies. Significant knowledge gaps were observed in Basketo and Ari zones, particularly due to the limited number of breeding studies available, making it difficult to draw comprehensive conclusions regarding germplasm improvement, variety development, and breeding approaches in these areas. The review highlights the urgent need for integrated breeding programs, enhanced seed system development, and greater application of molecular breeding tools to strengthen food security and climate resilience in southern Ethiopia.
Abstract: Plant breeding research remains a cornerstone for sustainable agricultural development, particularly in ecologically diverse and climate-vulnerable regions. In southern Ethiopia, the Ari, South Omo, Konso, and Basketo zones represent distinct agroecological systems with diverse cropping patterns and production constraints. However, breeding researc...
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