Broiler Chickens Fed Chromium Propionate Supplemented Diets in a Tropical Environment: Serum Biochemical and Intestinal Morphology

Abstract

Aims: The effects of dietary supplementation with Chromium Propionate (CrProp) on serum aspartate aminotransaminase, alanine aminotransaminase, and intestinal morphology in broiler chickens are investigated in this study. Study Design: The completely randomised design was used for this study. Methodology: A total of 644 Cobb 500 broiler chickens were randomly assigned to eight dietary treatments (10 birds per replication). Diets 1 to 4 were designed by dividing a base diet into eight equal halves. Diets 1 to 4 were supplemented with 0, 0.4, 0.8 and 1.2 mg/kg CrProp, respectively. For a 42-day trial period, the birds had unrestricted access to feed and water sources. The gross pathological alterations were documented during necropsy. The intestinal tissues were fixed in 10% buffered formalin for histological investigation. Results: Serum ALT and AST levels were measured to investigate Cr toxicity. There was a significant increase with CrProp supplementation, indicating that the Cr levels administered were hepatotoxic. Intestinal morphology was also enhanced by CrProp supplementation. Conclusion: In conclusion, serum metabolites such as ALT and AST were affected following 0.8 mg/kg of CrProp supplementation, and jejunal morphological qualities were improved.