Potential of Vitamin E and Zinc-Amino Acid Complex for the Reduction of Cellulitis in Broilers

Abstract

Downs, K.M., Norton, R.A., Macklin, K.S. and Hess, J.B. 2003. Potential of vitamin E and zinc-amino acid complex for the reduction of cellulitis in broilers. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 23: 25–32.

A research study was conducted to determine the effects of dietary supplementation with vitamin E and a zinc-amino acid complex (Zn-AA) on the incidence of cellulitis in broiler chickens. Vitamin E and Zn-AA supplementation did not influence body weight, but subtle feed conversion and mortality treatment differences were observed. Furthermore, a trend in cellulitis lesion reduction was indicated through combined supplementation of vitamin E and Zn-AA. The results of this study indicate an overall positive effect from higher dietary vitamin E and Zn-AA level on cellulitis incidence.

Keywords:

• Broiler
• cellulitis
• vitamin E
• zinc complexes