Effect of ascorbic acid supplementation in the diets on haematological traits of Fawbro broiler breeders reared under hot climate

Abstract

A study was conducted in Native Chickens Breeding station / IPA Agricultural Research Centre during summer months , to investigate the influence of different levels of ascorbic acid (AA) supplementation (0, 150, 300 and 450 mg/kg diet) on the haematological traits of Fawbro broiler breeders. A total of 300, one day-old CD line females and 240 AB line males of broiler breeders were reared in 24 floor pen. Results indicated that heterophil to lymphocyte ratio (H: L), plasma glucose and cholesterol concentration and plasma GOT and GPT activities were significantly lowered (P< 0.01), while plasma protein, calcium and phosphorus concentration as well as ascorbic acid levels and ALP activity were increased (P < 0.01) as a res.ult of ascorbic acid supplementation in both male and female.