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<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<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<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.