Authors : F. Salabi, M. Boujarpoor, J. Fayazi, S. Salari and M. Nazari
Abstract: About 288, 1day old Ross 308 broiler were used to evaluate the effect of zinc on performance and carcass characteristics of broiler during Heat Stress (HS). Broilers raised in either a thermoneutral (TN, 23.9°C constant) or HS (23.9-35°C cycling) environment were fed an adequate zinc diet (45 mg kg-1) and high zinc diets (90 and 135 mg kg-1), accomplished by adding a zinc from ZnSO4.7H2O to the ration. The HS birds consumed less feed, gained less weight and had lower feed efficiency when compared to TN birds. Dietary zinc levels did significantly influence broiler growth performance. Lymphoid organs, breast and leg meat yield and liver weights were all reduced by HS. These results indicate that the performance, carcass characteristics of broiler and immune response of broilers can be influenced by the level of zinc in the diet and by environmental conditions.
F. Salabi, M. Boujarpoor, J. Fayazi, S. Salari and M. Nazari, 2011. Effects of Different Levels of Zinc on the Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Broiler Rearedunder Heat Stress Condition. Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 10: 1332-1335.