scholarly journals Heterophil to lymphocyte ratio and tonic immobility reactions to preslaughter handling in broiler chickens treated with ascorbic acid

2000 ◽  
Vol 79 (3) ◽  
pp. 402-406 ◽  
Author(s):  
I. Zulkifli ◽  
M.T. Che Norma ◽  
C.H. Chong ◽  
T.C. Loh
Keyword(s):  
Ascorbic Acid ◽  
Broiler Chickens ◽  
Tonic Immobility ◽  
Lymphocyte Ratio

Growth performances, nutrient utilization and carcass traits in broiler chickens fed with a normal and a low energy diet supplemented with inorganic chromium (as chromium chloride hexahydrate) and a combination of inorganic chromium and ascorbic acid

2005 ◽  
Vol 143 (5) ◽  
pp. 427-439 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. AHMED ◽  
S. HALDAR ◽  
M. C. PAKHIRA ◽  
T. K. GHOSH
Keyword(s):  
Ascorbic Acid ◽  
Blood Glucose ◽  
Broiler Chickens ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Low Energy ◽  
Energy Concentration ◽  
Optimum Level ◽  
Dietary Energy ◽  
Chloride Hexahydrate ◽  
Low Energy Diet

Diets for broiler chickens (n=90) were supplemented with chromium (CrCl3, 6H2O), either alone (0·2 mg/kg diet) or in a combination with ascorbic acid (0·2 mg Cr and 50 mg ascorbic acid/kg diet). The objectives of the study were to ascertain if ascorbic acid had any additive effect on the actions of chromium and whether chromium supplementation could alleviate the nutritional stress in the birds imposed by a reduced energy intake. The birds were fed at the recommended (Bureau of Indian Standards 1992) and at a lower plane of energy. Live-weight gain and diet utilization were higher (P<0·01) when the normal energy diet supplemented with chromium was fed. Food intake (35 days) was higher (P<0·001) in the birds fed with the low energy diet. There was an increase (P<0·01) in metabolizability due to the supplementation of chromium. The metabolizability of crude protein and total carbohydrate increased (P<0·05) when chromium and ascorbic acid were supplemented together. Chromium intake was higher (P<0·001) in the supplemented birds, especially in those fed with the low energy diet (P<0·05), though its retention was higher (P<0·05) when the normal energy diet was given. Chromium in combination with ascorbic acid also enhanced (P<0·01) chromium retention. Blood glucose (P<0·001) and plasma cholesterol (P<0·05) were lower in the supplemented birds and blood glucose was reduced further when ascorbic acid was supplemented together with chromium (P<0·01). Plasma protein increased (P<0·05) in the supplemented chickens. However, variation in the dietary energy concentration did not exert any significant effect on these blood parameters. Plasma chromium was higher (P<0·05) in the supplemented birds, though chromium had little effect in this regard with ascorbic acid. Plasma copper increased (P<0·05) when chromium was supplemented alone and increased further (P<0·05) when chromium and ascorbic acid were supplemented together. Deposition of chromium in the breast and thighs increased (P<0·05) due to supplementation. Protein content and total accretion of protein in the carcass were higher (P<0·05) when chromium was supplemented alone and with ascorbic acid. The supplemented birds had less (P<0·01) fat per 100 g of carcass irrespective of the dietary energy concentration. Weight of the hot carcass increased (P<0·05) due to chromium supplementation although dietary energy concentration did not affect this particular parameter. It was concluded that inorganic chromium supplementation (0·2 mg chromium/kg diet) might effectively enhance the growth performance, diet utilization and carcass characteristics in broiler chickens. Addition of ascorbic acid might also be beneficial in this regard. However, dietary energy concentration was more critical and to yield the maximum benefit of Cr supplementation in broiler chickens, an optimum level was essential.

scholarly journals Effects of different floor materials on the welfare and behaviour of slow- and fast-growing broilers

2019 ◽  
Vol 62 (1) ◽  
pp. 335-344 ◽  
Author(s):  
Enver Çavuşoğlu ◽  
Metin Petek
Keyword(s):  
Broiler Chickens ◽  
Litter Quality ◽  
Tonic Immobility ◽  
Fast Growing ◽  
Genotype 2 ◽  
Slow Growing ◽  
Positive Effect ◽  
Fast Growth Rate ◽  
Floor Material ◽  
Behaviour Data

Abstract. Litter quality and fast growth rate are the two main issues in broiler welfare. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of genotype and floor material on broiler welfare and behaviour. In the study, slow-growing (Hubbard JA57) and fast-growing (Ross 308) broilers on a slatted floor and deep litter were used; there were four main groups (2 genotype × 2 housing) and each treatment group consisted of 5 replicates. Each replicate group consisted of 10 male chicks, and 200 birds were used in total. The experiment lasted for 8 weeks. The welfare parameters were recorded in weeks 6, 7, and 8, whereas behaviour data were collected in week 8 only. Results showed that welfare parameters of broiler chickens were affected by genotype and floor type. Slow-growing broilers had better welfare parameters than fast-growing broilers. The slatted floor had a positive effect on main welfare parameters of the birds. Slower-growing broilers had a longer distance in the avoidance distance test. Tonic immobility reaction was longer in slow-growing broilers compared to fast-growing broiler. On the other hand, floor type did not affect behaviour parameters. As a conclusion, slow-growing broilers had better welfare parameters than fast-growing broilers and slat flooring could be beneficial to improve broiler welfare, but further behavioural investigations are needed such as dust bathing and walking behaviour.

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