Studies on serum mineral profile and kidney function of broiler chickens fed diets containing different supplements

The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of various feed supplements on minerals status and kidney health of broiler chickens. Two hundred fifty two, day-old Cobb-400 broiler chicks were randomly distributed into seven groups with 3 replicates of 12 chicks each. The first treatment was designated as control (T₀) in which no supplement was added to the feed, while in treatments T₁; organic mineral mixture (Organomin forte), T₂; organic mineral mixture (Vannamin), T₃; probiotics (Microguard), T₄; enzyme (Brozyme -XPR) and probiotics, T₅; emulsifier (Lipigon) were provided through feed. In T₆ group, 3 per cent less energy was given through feed. The serum calcium levels were significantly (P<0.05) increased in supplemented groups as compared to T₀ (control) group in both the periods while phosphorus values were significantly (P<0.05) increased in supplemented groups during starter period. Urea, Uric acid, BUN and creatinine values were significantly (P<0.05) decreased in supplemented groups as compared to T₀ group in both the periods. B/C ratios were significantly (P<0.05) decreased in all supplemented groups except T₃ and T₄ in both the periods. Therefore, it could be concluded that dietary supplementation maintained the mineral homeostasis and did not have adverse effect on kidney function.