Effects of in ovo injection of organic selenium on the hatchability of broiler breeder hen eggs and resulting chick physiology and performance.

BACKGROUND: Selenium is an essential mineral for poultry. The conflicting reports about its in ovo injection are the justification for the more detailed investigation. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of in ovo injection of organic selenium on the hatching traits of broiler chickens and their performance. METHODS: Three hundred and twenty eggs of Ross 308 strain with an average weight of 65 g and 160 chicks were randomly divided into 4 treatment groups (each with 8 replicates of 10 eggs each for hatching parameters and 4 replicates of 10 chicks for broiler farming parameters): negative control (no injection), positive control (in ovo injection of 0.272 mL of normal saline solution) and 2 selenium treatments (in ovo injection of 2.72 or 5.44 µg of organic selenium). Injection was into the amniotic sac on the 10th day of incubation. Effects of in ovo injection on hatching and performance traits, blood parameters, immune responses, carcass characteristics, meat fatty acid profile, cecal microbial population and selenium consternation in the tibia were measured. RESULTS: Fewer chicks from the injected treatments hatched than from the negative control group (p < 0.01). However, the injection of selenium increased feed intake and the final weight of the birds (p < 0.01). Blood parameters were also affected. Glucose and cholesterol in experimental treatment chicks was lower than those of the controls (p < 0.01), whereas blood lipoproteins (VLDL, LDL and HDL) and the ratio of cholesterol to HDL was significantly increased in the treatments injected with selenium (p < 0.01). There was no significant difference in the immune response or microbial population between the experimental groups, but carcass components, such as thigh, breast, wing and abdominal fat weight, were significantly greater in the selenium treatments. CONCLUSIONS: Intra-egg injection of organic selenium produced favourable effects on performance of broiler chickens, although it had no effect on immune response or microbial population. However, the negative effect on hatching of chickens needs to be prevented to result in an acceptable economic return for the producer.

Effects of Combinations of Dietary Vitamin C and Acetylsalicylic Acid on Growth Performance, Carcass Traits and, Serum and Immune Response Parameters in Broilers.

This study aimed to investigate the combined effects of ascorbic acid (VC) and acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) on broiler health and performance. A total of 200 Ross 308 male broilers were divided into five groups, each receiving different dietary combinations of ASA and VC (ASA: 50 or 100 mg/kg; VC: 200 or 400 mg/kg). The 42-day trial assessed parameters such as feed intake, average daily gain (ADG), feed conversion ratio (FCR), carcass characteristics, serum parameters, immune response and cecal microbial flora. The results indicate significant treatment effects on feed intake and growth performance, with a higher feed intake of ADG and FCR in treatment groups (p < 0.05). Serum lipid parameters were unaffected, but creatine kinase increased with ASA and VC intake (p < 0.05). Changes in sheep red blood cell titers and influenza antibodies were noted (p < 0.05). The combination of ASA and VC positively influenced carcass traits, reducing abdominal fat and altering the ratio of immune response organs to body weight (p < 0.05). Additionally, the cecal E. coli count decreased with treatment (p < 0.05). This study underscores the intricate interactions between ASA and VC supplementation, growth performance and carcass composition and immune response in broilers. Further research is warranted to explore dosage nuances and variations under specific stress conditions.

Effects of varying levels of Cynara scolymus powder on growth performance, carcass characteristics, intestinal microbiota, immune and haemato-biochemical parameters in female quails.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of varying levels of dietary Cynara scolymus (CS) powder on growth performance, carcass characteristics, intestinal microbiota, immune and haemato-biochemical parameters in female quails. A total of 120-day-old female quails used for the research were divided into 3 treatment groups: 0% CS, 0.75% CS and 1.50% CS having 4 replicates (n = 10). Blood samples collected were analyzed for differential leukocyte count, red blood cell count and its indices, uric acid, lipid profile, liver enzymes, calcium, phosphorous, creatinine, thyroid hormone, creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase and antibody titres. Quails were euthanized for evaluation of carcass and microbial bacteria and sensory characteristics of the breast and thigh meat. Supplementation of CS at 0.75% and 1.50% increased (P < 0.05) wing, drumstick, ileum, jejunum and spleen lengths, high-density lipoprotein, and decreased (P < 0.05) low-density lipoprotein: high-density lipoprotein ratio. Diets supplemented with 0.75% CS increased (P < 0.05) albumin while 1.50% decreased (P < 0.05) abdominal fat and increased (P < 0.05) corpuscular volume, red blood cell count, lactobacillus population, and color of thigh meat. Both CS levels (0.75% and 1.50%) may improve intestinal morphology, quality of meat, immunity, erythropoiesis, intestinal microbial population, and decrease bad cholesterol in quails.

The effect of different levels of vitamin C and chromium on growth performance, carcass characteristics, digestive organs, immunity, blood constituents, liver enzymes, cecal microflora, meat sensory taste and fatty acid profile of breast meat in broilers.

BACKGROUND: Antioxidants such as vitamin C (VC) and chromium (Cr), which effectively scavenge free radicals, may improve functional characteristics of the intestine and may reduce intestinal diseases. Cr absorption increases in the presence of VC. In poultry, VC is mainly derived from glucose; hence, Cr is an important component for glucose tolerance. We evaluated the synergistic effects of these two antioxidants together. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to investigate two levels of VC and two levels of Cr and their interaction on growth performance, carcass characteristics, digestive organs, immunity, blood constituents, liver enzymes, cecal microflora, meat sensory taste and fatty acid profile of breast meat in broilers. METHODS: Two levels of VC (250 and 500 mg/kg dry matter [DM]) and two levels of Cr (700 and 1400 µg/kg DM) were added to a basic diet for 42 days in five treatments. The 2 × 2 plus 1 (control group) factorial experiment was performed in a completely randomised design for 42 days using 360 one-day-old male chicks. RESULTS: Very low-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, total cholesterol and triglyceride level, liver enzymes, antibody titer against sheep red blood cells, fat content, odour, chewing ability, elasticity and oral sensation traits were affected by combination of VC and Cr. CONCLUSIONS: Combination of VC and Cr can increase unsaturated fatty acids and decrease saturated fatty acids, as well as improve cecal microbial flora, and may be useful as antioxidant compounds and non-antimicrobial stimulants for economic growth. The use of 250 mg/kg of VC and 700 µg/kg of Cr is recommended in broiler diets.

The effect of vitamin C and aspirin supplementation on the performance of turkeys under normal conditions.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of vitamin C and aspirin on the growth performance of turkeys under normal conditions. For this purpose, 288 male turkeys, BUT6 strain, were used from 1-day-old to 12 weeks of age in nine treatments with four replications and eight birds per replication, as a 3 × 3 factorial experiment [three levels of vitamin C (V; 0, 250, and 500 mg/kg feed), and three levels of aspirin (A; 0, 75, and 150 mg/kg feed)] in a completely randomized design. Our results demonstrated that supplementing with vitamin C and aspirin had no effect on plasma total protein and albumin levels, but the data revealed significant effects on total cholesterol, triglycerides, very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels in the supplemental groups. Also, the interaction of vitamin C and aspirin significantly increased high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and decreased plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) and abdominal fat pad. The results of this study indicated the beneficial effects of vitamin C and aspirin supplements may be related to changes in plasma lipids and body fat under normal conditions.

The effects of chelated micro-elements feeding in broiler breeder hens and their progeny: A review.

Micro-elements are essential for the optimal feeding of broiler hens. Since the chelated micro-elements negatively affect the content of micro- and macro-minerals, there has been a tendency to apply them as an alternative to common mineral forms of micro-elements in poultry diets. This paper reviews the effects of chelates of micro-elements (iron, copper, zinc, manganese, and selenium) on broiler breeder hens' internal and external egg quality and their egg products. The use of chelated micro-elements compared to the mineral forms does not have a significant effect on the performance of broiler breeder flocks, but they have significantly positive effects on the internal and external egg quality of broiler breeder flocks. The chelated micro-elements were also better than mineral resources of micro-elements in improving fertility (0.59%), hatchability (0.81%), and reducing mortality of progeny (2.25%). Chelated micro-elements have no negative impact on blood biochemistry or the immune system of broiler breeder hens and decrease cholesterol (0.84 mmol/l) and triglycerides (0.04 mmol/l) in most cases in comparison with the other mineral forms. Therefore, chelated forms of micro-elements instead of the inorganic mineral forms in diets of broiler breeder hens provide better protection for birds and the environment and also improve egg quality.

Influence of dietary L-carnitine and lysine-methionine levels on reproductive performance and blood metabolic constituents of breeder ducks.

The present study aimed to evaluate the influence of dietary supplementation of different levels of L-carnitine and/or lysine-methionine (Lys-Met) on reproductive performance of breeder ducks. Three L-carnitine (0, 75 and 150 mg/kg) and three lysine-methionine (100%, 110% and 120% above the NRC (Nutrient requirements of poultry, 1994, National Academy Press) recommendations) levels were fed to 180 breeder ducks (144 females and 36 males) in a completely randomized design for 49 days. Laying performance and reproductive traits were evaluated; additionally, uric acid, total protein total, triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were assessed. The Lys-Met above 100% NRC (Nutrient requirements of poultry, 1994, National Academy Press) recommendations with or without L-carnitine improved feed utilization (p < .05). Furthermore, Lys-Met above 100% recommendations without L-carnitine improved egg fertility and hatchability. Fertility and hatchability improved in breeders fed on L-carnitine with 120% Lys-Met (p < .05). Serum glucose increased and total cholesterol reduced on 100% Ly-Met without L-carnitine or 110% Ly-Met with 150 mg L-carnitine (p < .05). Glucose was reduced, while total cholesterol increased on 75 mg L-carnitine and 100% Lys-Met (p < .05). Increasing Lys-Met without L-carnitine reduced serum protein (p < .05). Albumin and ALT increased on 75 mg L-carnitine-100% Lys-Met and reduced on 150 mg L-carnitine-120% Lys-Met (p < .05). There were no interaction effects on globulin, uric acid and AST (p > .05). Thus, based on findings, breeder ducks responded to dietary Lys-Met more efficiently than L-carnitine; however, more research is needed to evaluate also economic aspects related to L-carnitine dietary supplementation.

A review on the mechanisms of the effect of silymarin in milk thistle (Silybum marianum) on some laboratory animals.

One of the most valuable medicinal plants is milk thistle (Silybum marianum) or martighal. An annual or biennial plant of the Asteraceae family and English name Milk thistle, a Matte green colour and prickly plant with a standing stem that can be thick, simple, or slightly branched (ramified). Its seeds contain about 70%-80% of the flavonolignans of silymarin and about 20%-30% of polymeric and oxidized polyphenolic compounds (such as tannins). Traditionally, the plant has been used to increase milk secretion, relieve menstrual cramps, lessen depression, decrease gallstones, and jaundice as well as improve functions of the liver, spleen, and kidney. This review reviews studies on the effects of adding milk thistle to quail diet. Consumption (0.5% and 1%) of milk thistle powder in the diet of Japanese quail significantly increased feed intake, body weight, and improved carcass components. Blood constituents including total protein and albumin were improved along with decreased HDL, ALT, and AST. The use of milk thistle levels (0.5% and 1.5%) significantly improved the antioxidant total of plasma. Consumption of silymarin in quail diet increased the number of white blood cells, calcium, vitamin D3, and albumin. Silymarin also decreased the relative weights of bursa of Fabricius and spleen. This review indicates that milk thistle can improve growth performance, feed conversion ratio, and immune system in quail.

The effects of Cynara scolymus and Silybum marianum on growth, carcass and organ characteristics, immunity, blood constitutes, liver enzymes, jejunum morphology, and fatty acid profile of breast meat in broilers.

To investigate the effects of adding Cynara scolymus (CS) and Silybum marianum (SM) dry extract to the diet of broiler chickens, a 2 × 2 factorial experiment was conducted using a completely randomized design with 4 treatments and 4 replicates. Ten one-day-old male broiler chicks of Ross 308 strain were used in each replicate. Experimental treatments included two levels of supplemental CS and MS, 250 and 500 mg/kg of dry extract of CS and SM, which were used in combination with a basal diet for 42 days. The 42-day trial was divided into 3 periods, 1-10 days, 11-24 days, and 25-42 days of age. The data were statistically analyzed using SAS software and means differences were tested for significance using Duncan's multiple-range test. The results showed that the effect of the experimental treatments was not significant on growth performance in the entire period (1-42 days), carcass characteristics, and weight of immunity organs. Feed cost per kilogram of live weight increased with supplemental of CS and SM (p < .01). Significant effects of CS and SM supplements were observed on antibody titer against influenza virus at 28 and 42 days and also on antibody titer against sheep red blood cells (SRBC) at 35 and 42 days. Feeding 500 mg/kg of both CS and SM in the diet of broilers resulted in the highest villus height and width, crypt depth, and percentage of oleic and linolenic acids. The results of the present study suggest that feeding 250 and 500 mg/kg of dry extract of CS and SM in the diet may have positive effects on the traits studied, but to save feed costs, only250 mg/kg is recommended.

Effect of Essential Oil of Thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.) or Increasing Levels of a Commercial Prebiotic (TechnoMOS®) on Growth Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Male Broilers.

To investigate the effect of thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.) essential oil (TEO) or increasing inclusion of a prebiotic (TechnoMOS®) on growth performance and carcass characteristics of Ross 308 broilers, 400 one-day-old male broilers (43.5 g, as mean of body weight) were placed in 20 pens (2.0 × 1.0 m, with a floor area of 0.10 m2 per bird) in groups of 20, and each pen cage was assigned to a specific dietary treatment (four replicates per each one). The dietary treatments included basic diet (no additive; CTR), basic diet including 0.025%, 0.075%, or 0.125% of TechnoMOS® (MOS025, MOS075, and MOS125, respectively), or basic diet including 0.075% thyme extract (TEO075). All dietary treatments were offered from the beginning of the study until the end of the trial. There were no effects of MOS or TEO on carcass characteristics. No significant effects of treatment on weight gain were obtained on a week-by-week basis; however, CTR birds gained less weight during the grower phase and overall compared with MOS birds. The same contrast for feed intake revealed that CTR birds had greater feed intake than MOS birds during both the grower phase and overall (492.18 g and 486.35 g, respectively). In conclusion, treated groups showed an improved feed conversion ratio.

Effect of Cynara scolymus and its derivatives on broilers: an updated review.

Medicinal plants and their derivatives are human-friendly, nutritional supplements, and their use in the poultry industry is increasing today. Cynara scolymus is a very high-quality antioxidant medicine plant that has recently attracted the attention of poultry and nutrition researchers to supplement their rations and reduce feed costs. In the present study, the effect of powder and extract of C. scolymus on broilers has reviewed. This review shows that the impact of C. scolymus on production performance, carcass characteristics, liver enzymes activity, and meat characteristics of broiler chickens are not significant. However, the negative impact of this compound on these properties has not reported. Moreover, cholesterol levels reduced by the dietary C. scolymus supplementation. The impact of C. scolymus powder and extract on chickens' broiler immunity was not significant in the cited literature, but dietary C. scolymus powder increases Newcastle antibody titers and lowers blood pressure. Dietary C. scolymus under heat stress increased anti-sheep red blood cell titers. No substantial studies have conducted on the effect of C. scolymus on broilers. Therefore, it is not possible to determine a single dosage for the use of C. scolymus powder or extract in broiler diets to the improvement of the broiler characteristics. More researches are needed to determining the appropriate dosage to achieve maximum performance.

Effect of dietary inclusion of lecithin with choline on physiological stress of serum cholesterol fractions and enzymes, abdominal fat, growth performance, and mortality parameters of broiler chickens.

A total of 270 one-d-old Ross 308 broiler chicks were randomly allotted to 9 experimental diets (3 replicates of 10 birds each), including three types of supplemental lipotropic factors (control, 0.1% or 0.2% choline and 0.5% or 1% lecithin) in a 3 × 3 factorial arrangement. Supplementation of lecithin improved FCR values during 1-21 days of age. Although no differences were noticed for mortality index among different diets, the group supplemented with a combination of choline (0.1) and lecithin (0.5) showed the highest (P < 0.0001) production index. Choline (0.1% or 0.2%) significantly decreased serum total cholesterol by 11%, triglycerides by 21%, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) by 20%, and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) by 20%, while increased the glucose and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) values by 11% and 6%, respectively. On the other hand, lecithin significantly increased glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, LDL and VLDL by 4%, 9%, 7%, 24%, and 25%, respectively. Choline supplementation decreased the aspartate amino transferase (AST), alanine amino transferase (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (AP); however, the lecithin addition increased their respective proportions. This study concluded that the combinations of 0.1% choline and 0.5% lecithin is the best among all other treatments because of the highest production index and least mortality.

Correction: Ghoreyshi, S.M.; et al. Effects of Dietary Supplementation of L-Carnitine and Excess Lysine-Methionine on Growth Performance, Carcass Characteristics, and Immunity Markers of Broiler Chicken.

L-carnitine as well as lysine and methionine are amino acids of important nutritional and nutraceutical interest and are used in nutritional strategies as dietary supplements to improve feed quality characteristics in animals and broiler chicken in particular. This study investigated the effect of different levels of L-carnitine and extra levels of lysine-methionine on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and some immune system markers. Two hundred seventy male Ross 308 broilers were a fed control diet (C) and eight different diets supplemented with an excess of amino acids. In the experimental diets, identified as D1, D2, D3, D4, D5, D6, D7, and D8, extra L-carnitine, lysine, and methionine were added in excess with respect to the American National Research Council (NRC) recommendations: L-carnitine equal to NRC (D1), control diet supplemented with lysine at 30% in excess of NRC, methionine at 30% in excess of NRC, and L-carnitine equal to NRC (D2), control diet supplemented with lysine equal to NRC, methionine equal to NRC, and L-carnitine at 15% in excess of NRC (D3), control diet supplemented control diet supplemented with lysine at 15% in excess of NRC, methionine at 15% in excess of NRC, and L-carnitine at 15% in excess of NRC (D4), control diet supplemented lysine at 30% in excess of NRC, methionine at 30% in excess of NRC, and L-carnitine at 15% in excess of NRC (D5), control diet supplemented with lysine equal to NRC recommendations, methionine equal to NRC recommendations, and L-carnitine at 75% in excess of NRC (D6), control diet supplemented with lysine at 15% in excess of NRC, methionine at 15% in excess of NRC, and L-carnitine at 75% in excess of NRC (D7); and control diet supplemented with lysine at 30% in excess of NRC, methionine at 30% in excess of NRC, and L-carnitine at 75% in excess of NRC (D8). During the starter and growth phases, feed intake was not affected by dietary treatment (p > 0.05). By contrast, body weight and FCR were both affected (p < 0.01) during the starter period. During the finisher phase, feed consumption was affected (p < 0.05) by dietary treatment. Feed intake of broilers fed on C, D3, D6, and D7 were statistically similar (p > 0.05) (1851.90, 1862.00, 1945.10, and 1872.80 g/pen/day, respectively) and were higher (p < 0.05) than 1564.40 g/pen/day (D5). With the exception of drumsticks, neck, back thoracic vertebrae, and proventriculus weights, the economical carcass segments were not affected (p > 0.05) by the dietary supplementation of amino acids. Duodenum and ileum weights and lengths decreased with amino acid supplementation (p < 0.05). IgT and IgG titers against Sheep Red Blood Cells (SRBC) for both primary and secondary responses were not affected by dietary treatments (p > 0.05). Dietary amino acids supplementation did not affect IgM titer after the secondary challenge (p > 0.05) and had a significant effect (p < 0.05) on serum antibody titers in broilers vaccinated against Newcastle disease (NCD) and Gumboro 's disease at the 27th and 30th days, respectively.

Effects of Dietary Supplementation of L-Carnitine and Excess Lysine-Methionine on Growth Performance, Carcass Characteristics, and Immunity Markers of Broiler Chicken.

L-carnitine as well as lysine and methionine are amino acids of important nutritional and nutraceutical interest and are used in nutritional strategies as diet supplements to improve feed quality characteristics in animals and broiler chicken in particular. This study investigated the effect of different levels of L-carnitine and extra levels of lysine-methionine on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and some immune system markers. Two hundred seventy male Ross 308 broilers were a fed control diet (C) and eight different diets supplemented with an excess of amino acids. In the experimental diets, identified as D1, D2, D3, D4, D5, D6, D7, and D8, extra L-carnitine, lysine, and methionine were added in excess with respect to the American National Research Council (NRC) recommendations: L-carnitine equal to NRC (D1); control diet supplemented with lysine at 30% in excess of NRC, methionine at 30% in excess of NRC, and L-carnitine equal to NRC (D2); control diet supplemented with lysine equal to NRC, methionine equal to NRC, and L-carnitine at 15% in excess of NRC (D3); control diet supplemented control diet supplemented with lysine at 15% in excess of NRC, methionine at 15% in excess of NRC, and L-carnitine at 15% in excess of NRC (D4); control diet supplemented lysine at 30% in excess of NRC, methionine at 30% in excess of NRC, and L-carnitine at 15% in excess of NRC (D5); control diet supplemented with lysine equal to NRC recommendations, methionine equal to NRC recommendations, and L-carnitine at 75% in excess of NRC (D6); control diet supplemented with lysine at 15% in excess of NRC, methionine at 15% in excess of NRC, and L-carnitine at 75% in excess of NRC (D7); and control diet supplemented with lysine at 30% in excess of NRC, methionine at 30% in excess of NRC, and L-carnitine at 75% in excess of NRC (D8). During the starter and growth phases, feed intake was not affected by dietary treatment (p > 0.05). By contrast, body weight and FCR were both affected (p < 0.001) during the starter period. During the finisher phase, feed consumption was affected (p < 0.05) by dietary treatment. Feed intake of broilers fed on C, D3, D6, and D7 were statistically similar (p > 0.05) (1851.90, 1862.00, 1945.10, and 1872.80 g/pen/day, respectively) and were higher (p < 0.05) than 1564.40 g/pen/day (D5). With the exception of drumsticks, neck, back thoracic vertebrae, and proventriculus weights, economical carcass segments were not affected (p > 0.05) by the dietary supplementation of amino acids. Duodenum and ileum weights and lengths decreased with amino acid supplementation (p < 0.05). IgT and IgG titers against Sheep Red Blood Cells (SRBC) for both primary and secondary responses were not affected by dietary treatments (p > 0.05). Dietary amino acids supplementation did not affect IgM titer after the secondary challenge (p > 0.05) and had a significant effect (p < 0.05) on serum antibody titers in broilers vaccinated against Newcastle disease (NCD) and Gumboro 's disease at the 27th and 30th days, respectively.

Effect of Different Dietary Levels of Atorvastatin and L-Carnitine on Performance, Carcass Characteristics and Plasma Constitutes of Broiler Chickens.

The effects of L-carnitine, atorvastatin and their combination on growth and lipid metabolism of broiler chickens is not yet known. Thus, the objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of dietary L-carnitine and atorvastatin on the performance, carcass characteristics and blood parameters in broilers. Different dietary levels of L-carnitine (0, 150 and 300 mg/kg, respectively) and atorvastatin (0, 1 and 2 g/kg, respectively) were added to the daily birds' ration. Significant positive effects (P<0.05) on broiler body weight for both L-carnitine and atorvastatin were reported, and this effect became clear starting from the 4th week of rearing period till the slaughter age. Dietary treatments had also significant (P<0.05) positive effects on broilers empty carcass, breast and drumstick weights. Conversely, L-carnitine slightly increased abdominal fat, whereas supplementing atorvastatin slightly reduced it (P<0.05). However, Combining the treatments, resulted in reduction of abdominal fat pad, showing also the best development of breast and drumstick muscles (P<0.05). Moreover, the weight of gizzard, liver and heart were significantly higher in birds treated with the highest doses supplied (P<0.05). Dietary treatments had also influence on blood biochemical parameters of broilers. In overall, our findings suggest that combining dietary L-carnitine and atorvastatin supported birds growth and muscles development reducing the body fat deposition. However, further studies are needed to deeply study the potential effect of statins on meat quality.

Effect of different levels of L-carnitine and lysine-methionine on broiler blood parameters / Efecto de suplementación con L-carnitina y lisina-metionina sobre parámetros de sangre de pollos de engorde

Objective. In the present study a completely randomized 3x3 factorial design was used to analyze the effects of different levels of L-Carnitine, lysine(Lys) and methionine (Met) on the blood concentrations of energy, protein and lipid metabolites of male broiler chickens. Materials and methods. A total of 270 newly hatched male broiler chickens (Ross 308) were randomly assigned to 9 groups (ten broilers per replicate and three replicates per treatment). The control group was fed a basal diet, whereas the treatment groups were fed basal diets supplemented with L-Carnitine (0 mg/kg, 75 mg/kg and 150 mg/kg) and lysine-methionine (0, 15 and 30%) for 42 days. On day 42, one bird was randomly chosen per replication, a blood sample was taken and the blood concentrations of glucose (GLU), uric acid (UAc), triglyceride (TG), VLDL, HDL, LDL, total protein (TP), albumin (Alb) and total cholesterol (TC) were analyzed. Results. Dietary L-carnitine supplementation had a significant effect (p<0.05) on uric acid (UAc), HDL, LDL, and total cholesterol (TC). The birds feed L-carnitine plus Lys and Met presented the highest plasmatic UAc level and the lowest plasmatic TC and LDL level. Moreover, L-carnitine significantly reduced total cholesterol (TC) when compared with both the control group and the birds feed Lys and Met without L-carnitine. Conclusions. A diet with 150 mg/kg L-carnitine plus 15% Lys and Met seems to be enough to sustain low plasmatic TC, LDL and HDL concentrations on male broiler.

Objetivo. Se realizó un estudio para determinar el efecto de la suplementación deL-carnitina, lisina (Lys) y metionina (Met) sobre los metabolitos sanguíneos de pollos de engorde. Materiales y métodos. Se utilizaran 270 pollos de la línea Ross 308 de un día de edad y se dividieron en 9 tratamientos en un diseño al azar con arreglo factorial 3x3: tres niveles de L-carnitina (0 mg/kg, 75 mg/kg y 150 mg/kg) y tres de lisina-metionina (0, 15 y 30%) durante 42 días. Cada tratamiento constó de 3 repeticiones con 10 pollos por repetición. El día 42 de edad, se tomaron muestras de sangre de tres aves por tratamiento para cuantificar niveles séricos de glucosa (GLU), ácido úrico (UAc), triglicéridos (TG), VLDL, HDL, LDL, proteínas totales (PT), albúmina (Alb) y colesterol total (TC). Resultados. La suplementación de L-carnitina en la dieta tuvo un efecto significativo (p<0.05) en los niveles de ácido úrico en suero (UAC), HDL, LDL y colesterol total (CT). Las aves alimentadas con L-carnitina más Lys y Met mostraron niveles séricos más altos de UAc y menor TCy LDL. Por otra parte, la L-carnitina redujó significativamente el colesterol total (CT), cuando se comparó con el grupo control y con los pollos alimentados con Lys y Met, sin L-carnitina. Conclusiones. Una dieta con 150 mg/kg de L-carnitina y 15% Lys y Met parece ser suficiente para mantener bajas concentraciones plasmáticas de TC, LDL y HDL en pollos de engorde.