Organic Chromium and Vitamin E Enhance Physiological Performances, Humoral and Cellular Immune Responses in Heat-stressed Broiler Chickens

Abstract

Background: The use of chromium (Cr) and vitamin E (Vit-E) to overcome the detrimental effects of heat stress (HS) in broiler chickens has been studied by a few researchers. The study was designed to evaluate the effects of organic chromium picolinate (CrPic) and vit-E on physiological performances and immune responses in broiler chicken exposed to HS. Methods: A total of 120, day old chicks were reared and divided into four equal groups: A, B, C and D at day 13. Group A considered as non-treated control, Group B, C and D were treated with CrPic, Vit-E and both respectively. The birds were exposed heat to 35 ± 3°C for 6 hours for 22 days.Result: CrPic, Vit-E and combined groups had significantly higher live body weight and lower FCR (p less than 0.05). Hematological values were not varied among the groups. Liver enzymes AST but not ALT were increased significantly in the Vit-E group. Creatinine level was significantly (p less than 0.05) higher in CrPic and combined groups. Total protein, albumin and glucose were not differed between the treated and non-treated groups. Total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), HDL-c and LDL-c were significantly (p less than 0.05) higher in treated groups. The highest antibody titers against NDV were detected in birds of CrPic group followed by combined and Vit-E group. The cellular immune response assessed by CBH test revealed significant skin increased in CrPic and Vit-E supplemented birds. It concluded that the dietary CrPic and Vit-E are effective to enhance growth performance and immune responses in broiler chicken under heat-stress condition.