EVALUATION OF THE EFFICACY OF CHOLINE CHLORIDE AS A FEED ADDITIVE IN BROILERS

Abstract

The study evaluated the effect of choline chloride on growth, haematology, serum biochemistry, and relative organ weight of broilers. A total of 120-day-old chicks were randomly divided into four groups of 30 birds each, which was further sub-divided into 3 replicates of 10 birds each. Group A served as the un-supplementedcontrol while the diets  of groups B, C and D were supplemented with 0.5g/kg, 0.75g/kg and 1g/kg of choline Chloride (CC), respectively. The study lasted for six weeks. Result showed that dietary supplementation with CC did not enhance feed intake and weight gain. Group C had a significantly (P<0.05) higher feed efficiency (49.18%) than other choline-supplemented groups and control. There was no significant difference (P>0.05) in the mean values of AST, ALT, total protein and creatinine across all groups. However, the ALP and cholesterolvalues of group D were significantly (p<0.05) higher and its lymphocyte level significantly lower than all other groups. There was no significant (p>0.05) difference in the mean organ weights across all four groups, but the spleen weight (0.27g) of group D was significantly (p<0.05) higher than all other groups. Supplementation with CC at the level of 1g/ kg of feed seemingly had negative effect on serum cholesterol level and liver hepatocytes as evidenced in elevated values of these parameters in group D broilers.