The Effects of Lower Supplementation Levels of Organically Complexed Minerals (Zinc, Copper and Manganese) Versus Inorganic Forms on Hematological and Biochemical Parameters in Broilers

Abstract

Summary The present study was carried out to investigate the effects of replacing inorganic with at lower level of organically complexed minerals (Zn, Cu and Mn) on hematological and biochemical parameters in broilers. A total of two hundred Ross-308 one-day-old broiler chickens were used. Chicks were randomized into 1 control and 3 treated groups each containing 50 chicks and each experimental group comprised 5 of subgroups including 10 chicks. Mineral content of the control diet was prepared according to National Research Council (NRC) as inorganic salts. In treated groups, organically complexed Zn, Cu and Mn were separately added into the basal diet at 1/3 (group 1), 2/3 (group 2) and 3/3 (group 3) proportions as Bioplex TM , instead of inorganic levels of those minerals recommended by NRC, respectively. The plasma Zn level significantly increased as the serum Cu level significantly decreased (P<0.05) in chickens fed at 2/3 and 3/3 levels of organic minerals. The hemoglobin concentration and packed cell volume were significantly higher in group L1. Total leukocyte count and peripheral blood leukocyte type were in the normal range reported in both the control and organic mineral supplemented groups. As the high density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol level increased, low density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol and total cholesterol levels decreased in chickens fed organically complexed minerals. Results showed that using at much lower level organically complexed minerals (Cu, Zn and Mn) in broiler diets instead of inorganic forms of those minerals