Authors : Ulvi Reha Fidanci, Hidayet Yavuz, Cavit Kum, Funda Kiral, Mehmet Ozdemir, Selim Sekkin and Ayhan Filazi
Abstract: It was aimed to evaluate the effects of accumulated ammonia (NH3) concentration in poultry housing and Nitrite (NO2-) Nitrate (NO3-) concentrations in poultry litter on thyroid hormone levels (Triiodothyronine (T3) and Thyroxine (T4)), Body Weight (BW) and variables parameters such as blood methemoglobin, serum retinol, β-carotene and total cholesterol levels. Weighing 58.0±3.2 g (control group) and 60.0±4.3 g (experiment group), 1 day old, 180 male broiler chickens were used. Chicks were allowed ad libitum access to feed and water throughout the 45 days trials. In the experiment group, the ventilation was restricted without changing other conditions. NH3 concentration in poultry housing and moisture ratio, as well as NO2--NO3- concentrations in litter were measured with 5 days intervals throughout the 45 days trials. Plasma total T3, T4, blood methemoglobin and serum retinol, β-carotene and total cholesterol levels were evaluated at the 45 days. NH3 concentration in poultry housing was increased after 21 days (p<0.05) at 0.222 g bird-1 day and 26 days (p<0.01) at range 0.377-0.400 g bird-1 day in the experiment group as compared with the control group throughout the 45 days trials. In addition, moisture ratio in litter were increased after 26 days (p<0.05) at 0.444% bird-1 day and 36 days (p<0.01) at range 0.461-0.472% bird-1 day. Also, NO2- concentrations in litter were increased after 26 days (p<0.05) at range 7.50-8-40 ppm bird-1 day. As to NO3- concentrations in litter in the experiment group, no statistically significant difference was observed. Compared to control group, at 45 days, BW, plasma total T3, as well as serum retinol and β-carotene levels decreased significantly in experiment group (p<0.01). Total cholesterol level was increased (p<0.05). No statistically considerable differences were found in plasma total T4 and blood methemoglobin levels.
Ulvi Reha Fidanci, Hidayet Yavuz, Cavit Kum, Funda Kiral, Mehmet Ozdemir, Selim Sekkin and Ayhan Filazi, 2010. Effects of Ammonia and Nitrite-Nitrate Concentrations on Thyroid Hormones and Variables Parameters of Broilers in Poorly Ventilated Poultry Houses. Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 9: 346-353.