Effect of Supplementation of Drinking Water with Different Levels of Boron on Performance and Immune Organ Parameters of Broilers
Year: 2014
Type: article
Abstract: This study was performed to investigate changes in growth performance, immune organs weight and microstructure of broilers fed different levels of boron (0, 100, 200 and 400 mg/L) in drinking water for 6 weeks. A total of 240 newly-hatched Gushi chickens [body weight (BW)=34±2 kg; male: female=1:1] were equally divided into 4 treatments with 5 pens each (n=12 per pen). The birds were weighed after fasting for 12 h every two weeks until the end of experiment. The thymus, bursa and spleen samples were collected every two weeks and fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde phosphate buffer at room temperature (25°C). Results showed that BW and average daily gain significantly reduced by addition of 200 and 400 mg/L boron to drinking water compared to control group (P<0.05 or <0.01). Compared to controls, the thymus index of broilers fed 100 mg/L boron increased significantly from 4th to 6th week of age (P<0.05), whereas the weight and immune organs index of broilers fed 400 mg/L boron decreased significantly every week (P<0.05 or <0.01). Microscopic observation showed that the structure of immune organs of broilers fed 100 mg/L boron was well developed from 4th to 6th week of age, and that of broilers fed 200 and 400 mg/L boron was damaged every week. The present study suggests that appropriate supplements of boron (<100 mg/L) could improve the growth of immune organs in broilers after 4 weeks. However, high doses of boron (>200 mg/L) could significantly inhibit the growth of immune organs and even exhibit toxic effects.
Authors: Erhui Jin, Youfang Gu, Jue Wang, Guangming Jin, Shenghe Li
Institution: Anhui Science and Technology University
Language: English
Subfield: Animal Science and Zoology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,590
OpenAlex ID: W2015580974