A RAPID TWO WEEKS-EVALUATION OF VITAMIN C & B-COMPLEX, AND SODIUM CHLORIDE FOR HEAT-STRESSED BROILERS

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SUMMARY Two experiments were conducted to determine the efficacy of Vit. C, Vit.B complex and sodium chloride treatments for heat-stressed Arbor acres chickens. The birds were given access to water and commercial diet containing 21.4% protein, 2973 (Kcal/Kg diet) metabolizable energy, 2.9% fat and 3.1% fibre. At the age of 28 days, the birds in the two experiments were subjected to the different treatments. In the first experiment, the birds were subjected to drinking water supplemented with vit.C (0.5g/litre), vit B complex (1g/litre) and sodium chloride (0.5g/litre) and maintained at a constant temperature of 38°C at day time and 35°C at night. In comparison with control, body weight was improved by 10%, 8.8% with vit.C and sodium chloride treatments (p < 0.05) respectively. The trial then repeated on large scale (field trial) in which the birds were subjected to the same drinking water supplementation of vit.B-complex and sodium chloride, while vit.C was added to the diet (200 mg/kg diet). The birds were exposed to an ambient temperature ranging from 35-39°C. Body weight was improved by 6.8% with vit.C (p < 0.05) and 5.5% with sodium chloride. Vitamins and sodium chlroride reduced mortality related to heat-stress. It could be concluded that Vit. C supplementation either in drinking water or in the diet and sodium chloride are beneficial for heat-stressed broilers.

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