The effects of benzoic acid on immunomodulatory, some selective biochemical and growth performance parameters of broiler chicks

Abstract EN

Ninety, one day-old Cobb broiler chicks were divided into 3 dietary treatment groups : control without feed additives or with 0.1 % or 0.2 % of benzoic acid in diet for 6 weeks.

The performance as well as immunomodulatory effects and some biochemical parameters were investigated at 3rd and 6th week of life.

Our results revealed non-significant changes in the total and differential leukocytic counts all over the experimental period.

Supplementation of 0.2 % benzoic acid recorded a significant increase in the level of interleukin 10 (IL 10) with significant decrease in interleukin 6 (IL 6) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) at 6 weeks when compared with the control.

At the same time it revealed significant increase in total bacterial count (TBC) and coliform count with significant decrease in the lactobacilli count compared with the control.

All groups showed no effect on serum albumin, uric acid and phosphorus levels.

Whereas, significant decreases in aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity and creatinine level were recorded in the 0.1 % benzoic acid treated group.

Meanwhile, 0.2 % benzoic acid group showed significant decrease in total protein (TP), globulin, body weight, weight gain and feed conversion ratio (FCR).

We could conclude that benzoic acid has a little prospective influence on the growth performance and immune response in broilers.