Biochemical and Hematological Parameters in Broilers

A six-week duration feeding trial was conducted on 60 one-day-old broiler chicks of Arbor Acre breed raised in battery brooders. Biochemical and hematological parameters were studied on supplementation of phytase in feed and water. The chicks were divided into four groups of 15 chicks in each (Group I control, Group II Phytase 500 IU/L, Group III Phytase 1000 IU/L of water, and Group IV Phytase 125 IU/kg of feed). The biochemical parameters viz. serum calcium, phosphorus, alkaline and acid phosphatases (ALP and ACP) levels were significantly (P<0.01) altered in the treatment groups as compared to control. The serum calcium level which was 8.18±0.76mg/dl in control group, significantly (P<0.01) increased to 13.60±1.02, 12.68±1.12 and 12.37±1.01mg/dl in Groups II, III and IV, respectively. Similarly serum phosphorus level was also increased significantly in treatment groups (9.13±0.77, 9.59±0.86 and 9.52±0.98 mg/dl, respectively in Groups II, III and IV) as compared to control (4.73±0.68 mg/dl). The serum ALP level, which was 43.86±1.87 units in control group significantly (P<0.01) reduced to 22 to 23 units, whereas serum ACP level was significantly (P<0.01) reduced to 3.0–3.5 units in phytase supplemented groups as compared to control (7.80 units). There was no significant effect of phytase supplementation on hematological parameters such as PCV%, hemoglobin, total erythrocyte count and differential leukocyte count.