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

A. Adum; K. J. Onaleye; L. A. Ademu; D. Tsokwa; J. A. Nwuku

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.