Ameliorating Effect of Different Anti-Stressors on Growth Performance and Immunophysiological Responses in Heat Stressed Broilers Chickens

This study was conducted to ascertain the effects of betaine, chia seed, potassium chloride, and vitamin C on growth performance, immune response and serum biochemistry of broilers chickens reared during hot (30-37°C) and humid (52-80%) climate.A total of 320 birds were divided into five treatment groups (A-E) with four replicates, having 16 birds in each.Group A served as control.Birds in groups B, C, D and E were respectively fed diets supplemented with betaine (2g/Kg), chia seed (5g/Kg), potassium chloride (2g/Kg) and vitamin C (600mg/Kg).Daily feed intake and weekly body weights were recorded.Blood samples were collected at 7th, 17th, 36th and 42nd day for estimation of Newcastle disease virus titer and at 6th week of age for serum cholesterol and glucose estimation.Results showed highest (P<0.05)feed intake and antibody titer against ND in birds supplemented with chia seed.Betaine supplementation resulted in highest (P<0.05)body weight gain and better FCR.Supplementation of vitamin C in diet resulted in lower (P<0.05)serum cholesterol and glucose levels.These findings showed that use of appropriate feed supplements helped to reduce the deterioration in performance of heat stressed broilers.Among different anti-stressors used in present study betaine, chia seed and vitamin C offered better performance in competing negative effects of heat stress in broiler chickens.