Seasonal variations in serum biochemical constituents of broiler chickens

The biochemical parameters of Cobb broiler chickens were studied, during the summer and winter seasons. The temperature and relative humidity were recorded inside and outside the poultry shed. Blood samples were collected from two representative birds per replicate, before slaughtering. The glucose concentrations were more in male birds than female birds in both the seasons and glucose concentration were higher during summer than winter seasons. The proteins concentrations in birds were more during winter season than the summer seasons and the male birds had higher level of proteins. The concentrations of calcium and phosphorus were lower during the summer season than the winter season but the mineral concentrations were higher in male birds than in female birds in all the seasons. The serum alkaline phosphatase activity was higher in summer than in winter months. Thus, it is concluded that the broiler birds performed well during winter season as compared to the summer season and male birds were superior than the female birds irrespective of season.