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Effects of l-carnitine and niacin supplied by drinking water on fattening performance, carcass quality and plasma l-carnitine concentration of broiler chicks

2003; Taylor & Francis; Volume: 57; Issue: 2 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1080/0003942031000107325

1745-039X

L. Çelidotk, Orhan Öztürkcan, Tamer İnal, Necmiye Canacankatan, Levent Kayrın,

Diet and metabolism studies

The present study was initiated to determine whether dietary supplemental L-carnitine and niacin affect growth performance, carcass yield, abdominal fat and plasma L-carnitine concentration of broiler chicks. One-day-old broiler chicks (COB500) were used in the experiment. A two by two factorial arrangement was employed with two levels (0 and 50 mg/l) of supplemental L-carnitine and two levels (0 or 50 mg/l) of supplemental niacin in drinking water as main effects. Body weight gain was significantly improved by L-carnitine, or L-carnitine + niacin supplementation during the first 3 weeks. However, supplemental L-carnitine and niacin did not change body weight gain during the last 3 weeks of the experimental period. Supplemental L-carnitine significantly improved feed intake during the first 3 weeks. Supplemental L-carnitine or niacin did not influence carcass weight, carcass yield and abdominal fat weight. L-carnitine content in the plasma was significantly higher in the groups receiving supplemental L-carnitine and L-carnitine + niacin. It is concluded that dietary supplemental L-carnitine or L-carnitine + niacin could have positive effects on body weight gain and feed intake during the early stages of growing. However, supplemental L-carnitine or L-carnitine + niacin were not of benefit regarding the complete growth period.