Growth performance, carcass composition, and pigmentation of broilers fed supplemental nickel

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Poultry Nutrition
• Trace Mineral Research

Background:

• Nickel (Ni) is an essential trace mineral for animal nutrition.
• Understanding supplemental Ni's role in broiler production is crucial for optimizing feed formulations.
• Previous research has indicated potential impacts of Ni on metabolic processes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effects of supplemental nickel chloride (NiCl2) on broiler growth performance.
• To assess the impact of supplemental Ni on carcass composition and abdominal fat yield.
• To determine the influence of supplemental Ni on broiler skin and serum pigmentation.

Main Methods:

• Two experiments involving female broilers aged 21 to 49 days were conducted.
• Experiment 1: Broilers fed a basal diet supplemented with 6 or 12 ppm NiCl2.
• Experiment 2: Broilers fed diets with varying xanthophyll levels (44 or 77 ppm) and supplemental NiCl2 (0 or 12 ppm).

Main Results:

• Supplemental Ni did not affect broiler growth performance or carcass composition in either experiment.
• Higher xanthophyll levels significantly increased serum and skin xanthophyll concentrations.
• Supplemental NiCl2 modulated carcass yellow color, potentially by influencing fat deposition, especially at higher xanthophyll levels.

Conclusions:

• The basal diet contained adequate Ni levels for optimal broiler growth and carcass quality.
• Supplemental Ni may indirectly affect broiler pigmentation through alterations in fat deposition.
• Further research is warranted to fully elucidate the mechanisms of Ni's influence on pigmentation.