Evaluation of broiler chicken stocking density impact on oxidative profile indices

Abstract

The data on the development of oxidative stress in broiler chickens against the background of overcrowding are discussed. The broiler chicken flock at the age of 1-2 days was divided into 3 groups: trial groups 1 and 2 and the control. The chickens were kept on the floor. The microclimate indices corresponded to the chicken management standards. The experiment lasted 42 days. The chicken stocking density on the floor depended on the age. Up to ten-day age, the stocking density for broiler chickens of all groups was the same - 30 birds per 1 square meter of floor area. Later, starting from the age of 11 days, the stocking density per 1 square meter in the trial groups was increased by 30% of that index in the control group. The chickens were fed the complete compound feed PK-5. The feed supplement VitaProtein was added to the diet of the chickens in the 2nd trial group at a rate of 5 g per 1 kg of feed starting from the age of 11 days. The effect of the feed supplement VitaProtein on the body of broiler chickens was studied by changes of vitamins C and E, and the coenzyme Q10 levels in the blood serum. The blood samples for biochemical studies were taken three times: at the beginning of the experiment, at the age of 1-2 days, and at the age of 21 and 42 days. The obtained results of biochemical studies showed that when broiler chickens were kept in crowded conditions, there was a significant decrease of their oxidative profiles. The greatest decrease of these indices was revealed by the end of the experiment in broiler chickens at the age of 42 days. In the control group, the oxidative profile indices were found within the reference values for the entire duration of the experiment. In the 2nd trial group, when broiler chickens were fed the feed supplement VitaProtein at a dose of 5 g per 1 kg of feed, the oxidative profile indices were found to be higher than the similar values in the control group.