The effect of using cod liver oil to broilers diet on some production and physiological traits

Abstract

This study is dedicated to find the effect of Cod liver oil (unsaturated fatty acids) on some productive performance, physiological traits at the College of Veterinary Medicine. 60 chicks at one day age of Ross breed were divided into three groups as follow: First group, chicks fed on a ration contain vegetable protein without cod liver oil (control). Second group, chicks fed on a ration contains vegetable protein with 0.2% cod liver oil. Third group, chicks fed on a ration contains vegetable protein with 0.4% cod liver oil. Productive performance was measured (body weight, total weight gains, total feed consumption and total feed conversion efficiency) and the physiological, biochemical traits (PCV, R.B.C., Hb, W.B.C., H/L ratio, total protein and cholesterol level). The result show a significantly (P≤0.05) improved in the groups that fed on cod liver oil in the productive traits. R.B.C., P.C.V. and Hb were significantly (P≤0.05) decreased in group fed with 0.4% cod liver oil at the age of 21 days but at 42 days of age there were a significantly (P≤ 0.05) decreased on R.B.C and significantly (P≤0.05) increased on Hb in group fed with 0.2%.W.B.C. were significantly (P≤ 0.05) at 42 days of age. There is no significantly differences (P≤ 0.05) on H/ L ratio. Total protein significantly (P≤ 0.05) decreased at 42 days of age in group fed with 0.4% cod liver oil. Cholesterol level were significantly (P≤ 0.05) decreased in group fed with cod liver oil at 42 days of age. The study showed that the addition of cod liver oil to the ration that contains vegetable protein had a positive response on the productive and physiological traits.