Effects of different levels of trace minerals premix in finisher diets on performance, immune system and meat lipid oxidation of chicken fed barley- or wheat-based diet

ABSTRACTThe present study was carried out to examine the effects of a trace mineral premix (MP) reduction or withdrawal from finisher diet (29–42 d) on performance, meat lipid oxidation, and immune system of chicks fed wheat- or barley-based diet. The diets were formulated based on wheat and barley for seven treatments and five replicates of each treatment. At 29 and 36 d, 4 birds from each replicate were injected with sheep red blood cells. The cell-mediated immunity was determined via phytohemagglutinin and dinitrochlorobenzene at 34 and 42 d of age. At 35 and 42 d of age, the oxidative stability was evaluated by thiobarbituric acid reactive substances on the thigh samples that were stored for 180 days at −20˚C. The reduction or withdrawal of MP from diets did not affect the performance or the immune system. Results of TBARS showed that lipid peroxidation of the treatment without MP was significantly higher than of the other treatments when slaughtered at 42 days of age. Finally, the results of this stu...