Effect of Different Sources of Supplemental Chromium on Performance and Immune Responses of Broiler Chicks

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of different sources of chromium supplementation on performance and immune responses of broiler chicks. Four hundred and thirty two broiler chicks (308 Ross) were randomly allocated to 9 treatments and 4 replicates in a completely randomized design. Treatments consisted of: Control group, Cr-chloride, Cr-yeast, Cr-nicotinate and Cr-methionine at two levels of 600 and 1200 mu g kg(-1) Cr-supplementation. Feed intake, weight gain and feed conversion ratio measured in different periods. Antibody titers against Newcastle and Influenza virus were measured at 20 and 31 days and serum albumin to globulin ratio at 31 days. Results showed feed intake and body weight of broilers received 600 mu g kg(-1) Cr-nicotinate were significantly increased (p<0.05). Supplemental Cr had not significant effect on feed conversion ratio. Broilers were fed 1200 mu g Cr-methionine and 600 mu g kg(-1) Cr-chloride had the highest carcass yield and the lowest abdominal fat respectively (p<0.05). Antibody titers against Newcastle and Influenza viruses were elevated in broilers received 1200 and 600 mu g kg(-1) Cr-nicotnate, respectively. The results of this experiment showed between different Cr-sources were used in this study Cr-nicotinate improved feed intake, body weight and antibody titer in broiler chicks.