EFFECT OF VITAMIN AND ELECTROLYTES SUPPLEMENTS ON BROILERS' PERFORMANCE, SLAUGHTER VALUE AND CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF MEAT DURING THE HEAT STRESS
JAN BLAHA, KROESNA KANG
Abstract
In an experiment on broiler chickens - cockerels the
effect ofNaHCO3, NH4CL supplements, vitamins C, A, D3, E and B-complex in drinking
water on growth, feed consumption, feed conversion, body temperature, dressing
percentage and meat quality during the heat stress was investigated. Broiler
chickens were housed in conditions with the ambient temperature 26 - 40°
C and average relative humidity 41 - 74 %. Broilers were placed in cages and
the heat stress passed through from 22nd day to 42nd day of age. Broilers were
fed following diets: up to 21st day BR1 (23.7 % NS, 12.3 % IU ME), from 22nd
to 42nd days BR2 (19.4 % NS and 13.1 IU ME). Experimental group 2 was given
35 mg vitamin C/bird/day, 0.5 % NaHCO3 and 0.63 % NH4CI. Experimental group
3 was given 35 mg vitamin C/bird/day, vitamins A, D3, E, B-complex and the same
electrolytes as the group 2. Broilers in group 2 reached significantly higher
weight gains (by 18 %) and better feed conversion (by 8.3 %) in comparison with
group 1 (control). Broilers in the group 3 reached higher weight gains (by 12
%) and better feed conversion (by 4.2 %) in comparison with control group. The
highest mortality was in group 2 compared with the others (23.8 % compared with
11.01 % and 14.3 %). A distinct increase of body temperature appeared at 40°
C ambient temperature. Differences found in slaughter value cannot be considered
as substantial. Analysis of meat showed markedly higher fat content in thigh
muscles in groups 2 and 3 compared with control. Cholesterol content in thigh
muscles was distinctly lower in group 2 compared with the others.
Key words:
broiler chickens, heat stress, vitamins, electrolytes,
performance, mortality, slaughter value, meat composition.