Influence of co-administration of vitamins A and E on diurnal variation in rectal temperature of Black Harco pullets during the hot-dry season

Abstract

Experiments were performed with the aim of determining the influence of vitamins A and E on the fluctuations in rectal temperature (RT) of Black Harco pullets during the hot-dry season. The RT of 29 experimental and 20 control pullets were measured every hour from 06:00 to 19:00 hours for three days. The experimental pullets were administered vitamins A and E orally at 1200 IU/kg and 30 mg/kg, respectively. The control pullets were given water only. The lowest hourly RT of 41.03 ± 0.03°C was obtained in experimental pullets at 06:00 h, while the highest value of 41.23 ± 0.04°C was recorded at 18:00 h (P < 0.001). In control pullets, the RT rose significantly from 41.00 ± 0.04°C at 06:00 h to a maximum value of 41.61 ± 0.04°C at 15:00 h (P < 0.001). It is concluded that vitamins A and E decreased the thermally stressful effect of the hot-dry season, and may enhance the productivity and health of pullets during the season.