Effect of Different Routes of Vitamin/Mineral premix Administration on the Histology, Haematology, Enzyme and Serum Biochemistry of Broilers

Abstract

An experiment was conducted to determine the best route of vitamin/mineral premix administration to broilers using a completely  randomized design. The routes of administrations were through formulated diets, daily in drinking water, and daily mixing in feed ration. Histological examination of the liver did not reveal any cellular aberration as a result of the routes of vitamin/mineral administration. Haemoglobin values were
significantly affected (P<0.05) by the various treatments. Haemoglobin value was highest for birds administered vitamin/mineral premix through drinking water (10 g/L). Packed cell volume (PCV) was also influenced (P<0.05) by the routes of vitamin/mineral premix administration. Birds given vitamin/mineral premix through drinking water had the highest PCV (33%). Red blood cell (RBC) and white blood cell (WBC) counts varied
(P<0.05) significantly. Birds supplied vitamins through drinking water had the highest (3.4 x 1012/L). WBC value was highest (9.2 x 109 /L) for control bird (fed no vitamin/mineral premix). Total serum protein was affected (P<0.05) by the dietary treatments. Broilers fed diet premixed with vitamin/mineral premix had the highest serum protein value (60g/L). The enzyme profile was influenced (P<0.05) by the route of vitamin/mineral premix administration. Alkaline phosphatase value was highest in birds supplied daily ration of vitamin/mineral premix in drinking water. Serum Alanine amino transferase and aspartate amino transferase values observed were generally significantly high for the control broilers than broilers on the other treatments. Serum calcium and available phosphorus were influenced (P<0.05) by the various treatments. Broilers fed diet premixed with vitamin/mineral premix had the highest value of serum phosphorus, while broilers fed daily rations of vitamin and mineral had the highest value for available phosphorus. These values were however similar to the values of broilers fed vitamin/mineral premix through drinking water. Generally, birds fed vitamin/mineral premix through drinking water had relatively improved response for the measured criteria in this study.

Keywords: Vitamin/mineral premix, feed, water, broilers