Energy utitlzation by broilers fed different micro-nutrient mixtures

Abstract

Three commercial micro-nutrient mixtures, designated A, B and c were evaluated in terms of broiler performance characteristics, energy efficiency and blood metabolites. The study was conducted using Randomized Complete Block (RCB) design. The results obtained were confirmed by measuring the specific enzymes involved in the oxidation of carbohydrates and energy utilization. Micro-nutrient mixture C was found to result in lower growth rate, smaller live weight gain, higher blood glucose and lower serum Glutamic Oxaloacetate Transaminase (SGOT) activities. Feeding micro-nutrient mixture B improved energy efficiency. It was concluded that the poor performance and the poor energy efficiency of C-fed broilers was as a result of the micronutrient imbalance of the mixture since the mixture is deficient in Zinc and four B-vitamins that affect energy utilization. It also contains unbalanced over dosing of vitamin K. The better performance and better energy efficiency of B-fed broilers compared to A-fed broilers was due to the inclusion of adequate amounts of vitamin K, Zinc and the four B-vitamins that affect utilization of energy. The poor performance of A-fed broilers was attributed to deficiency of thiamine and vitamin K. B was recommended followed by A. It was suggested that the value of thiamine in B be increased to meet the NRC recommendation and further enhance efficiency of energy utilization.

Keywords: Energy, Broilers, Micro-nutrient mixtures