Growth Performance, Carcass and Tibia Geometric Traits of Heat-Stressed Broiler Chickens Fed -Lipoic Acid
- Authors
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A. Adum
Department of Animal Production & Health, Federal University Wukari, Nigeria
Author
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L.A. Ademu
Department of Animal Production & Health, Federal University Wukari, Nigeria
Author
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K.J. Onaleye
Department of Animal Production & Health, Federal University Wukari, Nigeria
Author
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- Abstract
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A study was carried out to investigate the effect of alpha lipoic acid (α-LA) on growth performance, carcass characteristics and tibia geometric traits of heat-stressed broiler chickens. Two hundred and four (204) unsexed day-old Arbor acre chicks were randomly assigned to four treatment groups to receive α-LA at 0, 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg, respectively in a completely randomized design (CRD) for a period of 42 days following a one-week adjustment period. Average room morning and afternoon temperatures were 27.9oC and 35.1 respectively, while the morning and afternoon humidities were 73.1% and 44.1%, respectively. Feed and water were provided ad libitum. Temperature-Humidity-Index (THI) indicated the presence of severe heat stress in the afternoons. Increasing α-LA levels resulted in significant (p<0.05) increases in feed conversion ratio (FCR), although there were no significant (p>0.05) differences in daily feed intake, daily weight gain, and final weight, across treatment groups. Supplementing with α-LA resulted in significant (p<0.05) improvements in both dressed weight and dressing % with rising levels of α-LA. On the other hand, α-LA did not significantly (p>0.05) affect the tibia geometry nor its mineral composition (Ca and Mg). It was concluded that α-LA up to 100 mg/kg showed positive effect on growth performance, carcass and tibia bone indices of heat-stressed broiler chickens..
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- Published
- 2024-06-30
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- Articles