title: Effects of L-carnitine and niacin supplied by drinking water on fattening performance, carcass quality and plasma L-carnitine concentration of broiler chicks.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: The University of Cukurova, Agricultural Faculty, Department of Animal Science, Adana, Turkey. ladine@mail.cu.edu.tr
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Celik
authors.forename: O
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Oztürkcan
authors.forename: T C
authors.initials: TC
authors.lastname: Inal
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Canacankatan
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Kayrin
mesh_terms: D000005:Abdomen; D000273:Adipose Tissue / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D000821:Animal Feed; D000818:Animals; D001823:Body Composition / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D002331:Carnitine / Q000097:blood* / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002645:Chickens / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000378:metabolism; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004326:Drinking; D008297:Male; D009525:Niacin / Q000494:pharmacology*; D015430:Weight Gain / Q000187:drug effects*
chemical_list: D009525:Niacin; D002331:Carnitine