Serum carotenoids in Arbor acre and Ross 308 broilers infected with coccidia (Eimeria spp.)

摘要

Groups of 4 Arbor-Acres challenge (Ach) and Ross 308 challenge (Rch) cockerels were crop inoculated 100μl sporulated oocysts of Eimeria acervulina, E. maxima, E. necatrix and E. tenella. Four healthy broilers were used as controls. Blood samples werecollected on day 3, 5 and 6 after challenge. Serum carotenoids were measured by n-hexane method. Compared with controls, serum carotenoids declined 24-38% in Arbor but 34 to 63% in Ross (P < 0.01) Eimeria infested broilers. However we found no significant differences at Day 3. Our findings suggests that Ross broilers are more susceptible to Carotenoid/Vitamin A deficiency than Arbor Acre breed when infested by Eimeria oocysts.