THERMOREGULATORY RESPONSES OF HEAT-STRESSED BROILER CHICKENS FED Α-LIPOIC ACID

Authors

  • A. Adum Federal University Wukari, P.M.B. 1020 Taraba State, Nigeria
  • K. J. Onaleye Federal University Wukari, P.M.B. 1020 Taraba State, Nigeria
  • L. A. Ademu Federal University Wukari, P.M.B. 1020 Taraba State, Nigeria
  • D. Tsokwa Federal University Wukari, P.M.B. 1020 Taraba State, Nigeria
  • J. A. Nwuku Federal University Wukari, P.M.B. 1020 Taraba State, Nigeria

Keywords:

lipoic acid, heat stress, thermoregulation, broilers, temperature-humidity-index

Abstract

A study was carried out to investigate the effect of alpha-lipoic acid (α-LA) on thermoregulatory indices of heat-stressed broiler chickens. Two hundred and four (204) unsexed day-old Arbor acre chicks were randomly assigned to four treatment groups to receive α-LA at 0, 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg respectively in a completely randomized design (CRD) for a period of 42 days after a one-week adjustment period. Average room morning and afternoon temperatures were 27.9oC and 35.1oc respectively, while the morning and afternoon humidities were 73.1% and 44.1% respectively. Feed and water were provided ad libitum. Average Temperature-Humidity-Index (THI) indicated the presence of very severe heat stress in the afternoons (33.4). Thermoregulatory indices (respiratory rate and body temperature) were significantly (p<0.05) affected by α-LA with birds on 100 and 200mg/kg α-LA having lover respiratory rates and body temperature compared to the other groups. It was concluded that, α-LA had ameliorative effect on thermoregulation of heat-stressed broiler
chickens.

Author Biographies

A. Adum, Federal University Wukari, P.M.B. 1020 Taraba State, Nigeria

Department of Animal Production & Health

K. J. Onaleye, Federal University Wukari, P.M.B. 1020 Taraba State, Nigeria

Department of Animal Production & Health

L. A. Ademu, Federal University Wukari, P.M.B. 1020 Taraba State, Nigeria

Department of Animal Production & Health

D. Tsokwa, Federal University Wukari, P.M.B. 1020 Taraba State, Nigeria

Department of Animal Production & Health

J. A. Nwuku, Federal University Wukari, P.M.B. 1020 Taraba State, Nigeria

Department of Animal Production & Health

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Published

2024-09-10

How to Cite

Adum, A., Onaleye, K. J., Ademu, L. A., Tsokwa, D., & Nwuku, J. A. (2024). THERMOREGULATORY RESPONSES OF HEAT-STRESSED BROILER CHICKENS FED Α-LIPOIC ACID. Nigerian Journal of Animal Production, 544–547. Retrieved from https://njap.org.ng/index.php/njap/article/view/5058

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