Haematological and serum biochemical indices of broiler chickens fed graded levels of inorganic and chelated trace minerals

Poor bioavailability of inorganic trace elements used in broiler nutrition and their subsequent release into the environment via poultry excereta is major cause of biological and environmental concern. Hence, the need to explore the use of Chelated trace minerals in broiler diets. This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of supplemental inorganic and chelated Cu, Zn and Mn on haematology and serum biochemistry of broiler chickens. A 42-day feeding trial was conducted using a total of 300 Arbor acre broiler chickens. The birds were allocated to five dietary groups. Each group had six replicates containing 10 birds. The treatments were control (basal diet), 100% inorganic trace minerals (ITMs) supplemental level (15, 100, 100 mg/kg for Cu, Zn, Mn respectively), 50% ITMs supplemental level (7.5, 50, 50 mg/kg of Cu, Zn, Mn), 50% Chelated trace minerals (CTMs) supplemental level (7.5,50, 50 mg/kg of Cu, Zn, Mn) and 25% CTM supplemental level (3.75, 25, 25 mg/kg of Cu, Zn, Mn, in that order). A lower (p<0.05) white blood cell count (11.07x106/mm3) and an improved (p<0.05) red blood cell count (13x106/mm3) was observed for the group fed 50% CTM supplemental level. The group fed 50% supplemental level of CTM had the highest (p<0.05) total protein (73.2 g/L), albumin (41.20 g/L) and globulin (32 g/L) in serum as compared tothe other groups. The serum Cu, Zn and Mn were significantly higher (p<0.05) for the grou fed 25% supplemental diet of CTM. It can be concluded that trace minerals supplementation increased serum trace minerals of broiler chicken.