A research on the effect of vitamin C on high temperature stress in broilers

The aim of this trial is to investigate the effect of vitamin C on the feed consumption, growing performance and some organ weights in broilers under high ambient temperatures. The research was carried out according to Randomized Plots Design in three groups by three replicates using 126 Ross - 308 day old mixed sex broiler chicks in summer conditions of Diyarbakır. In the researh, the first group (control) was consisted of only starter and grower feeds. In second and third groups, in addition to starter and grower feeds 100 and 200 mg/kg vitamin C levels were added, respectively. Finisher (withdrawal) feed were used in each groups for last week In the research obtained values were changed between; for total live weight gain 1627.76 - 1733.77 g., feed consumption 3177.59 - 3286.49 g., feed conversion ratio 1.85 - 2.00, hot carcass weight / hot dressing percentage 1398 - 1489.67 g. / % 73.56 - %75.61, cold carcass weight / cold dressing percentage 13 82. 67 - 1472.67 g. / %72.75 - %74.87, liver weight 41.13 - 48. 19, hearth weight 7.14 - 8.15 g., full - empty gizzard weights 30.63 - 34.54 g. / 26.07 - 28.72 g., bursa fabricus weight 0.793 - 1.126 g., adrenary gland weight 0. 1 5 - 0. 1 8 g. and mortality ratios % 4.76 - 1 1.9. In the trial, live weight gain, feed consumption and feed conversion ratio values for 4. week with mean hot - cold carcass weights were statisticaly important. Except fourth week; weekly and total live weight gains, feed consumptions and feed conversion ratio values, hot - cold carcass dressing percentages, liver, hearth, bursa fabricus, adrenary gland, full - empty gizzard weights and mortality values were not statisticaly important.Key Words : Broiler, Vitamin C, Heat Stress, Live Weight Gain, Feed Consumption and Conversion Ratio, Carcass Weight, Dressing Percentage, Organ Weights, Mortality. MHMANIASVQN