THE EFFECT OF VITAMIN AND ELECTROLYTE SUPPLEMENTS ON BROILER PERFORMANCE UNDER HEAT STRESS
BLAHA, J., DRASLAROVA, J., KROESNA, K.
Abstract
The effect ofNaCJ, NaHCOs, vitamins C, A, D, E, K
andB- compositwn supplements in drinking water on growth, feed consumption,
feed conversion, slaughter value and meat quality was investigated in a experiment
on broiler chickens - hybrid COBB 500 (male and female) during the heat stress.
Broiler chickens were exposed to constant conditions of the ambient temperature
(day average temperature 38 and night average temperature 30°C) and average
relative humidity 55 %. Broilers were kept on the deep bedding from the wood
shavings. Feeding mixtures BR1, BR2 and BR3 were fed till 21st, 35th and 42nd
day of age, respectively. A group number 1 was used as a control An experimental
group n.2 obtained 35 mg vitamin C/bird/day and 0,3% NaCl/bird/day. An experimental
group n.3 obtained 35 mg vitamin C/bird/day and 0,5% NaHCOB /bird/day. An experimental
group n.4 obtained B - complex and Supervit D supplements. Broilers of group
n.2 reached significantly higher weight gains (males 17,55% higher, females
4,08% higher) and showed better feed conversion (males 5,26%) in comparison
to the control group. Broiler of the group n. 3 reached higher weight gains
(males 32,55%, females 26,28%) and showed better feed conversion (males 10,53%,
females 3,76%) in comparison to the control group. Broiler of the group n. 4
reached the highest weight gains (males 34,35% and females 45,32%) and the best
feed conversion (males 11,58% and females 4,3%) in comparison to the control
group. The highest mortality occurred in males of the group n.2 and females
of the group n.3, when the body temperature increased in ambient temperatures
rose above 40°C. A chemical analysis of the chicken meat showed significantly
higher fat content in thigh muscles of the males in the control group in comparison
to the others group.
Key words:
broiler chickens5 heat stress, vitamins, electrolytes,
mortality, slaughter value, meat quality