The growth performance and immunity of broiler chickens affected by dietary chitosan oligosaccharides
Abstract Background: The present study aimed to explore the effects of dietary chitosan oligosaccharides (COs) on the growth performance and immunity of broiler chickens.Methods: Four test diets were supplemented with different doses of COs (0, 50, 100 and 150 mg/kg) and formulated. Triplicate groups of broiler chickens were fed with one of the diets ad libitum for 6 weeks. Results: After the end of the feeding trials, oral CO administration improved average daily gain; the activities of digestive amylase, lipase and protease; the activities of serum superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase; serum tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-1, IL-2, IgG, IgM and IgA levels; and reduced feed conversion ratio and malondialdehyde level compared with those of the control group. However, a high dose of CO (150 g/kg) did not further increase its efficiency compared with the moderate dose of CO (100 g/kg). Conclusions: Oral CO administration improved the growth performance and immunity of juvenile broiler chickens and could be used as a feed supplement.