Research Article 
Effects of Dietary Vitamin C on Growth Performance, Meat Quality, Immune Function and Anti-Oxidative Capacity of Broilers
Z.Y. Niu, Y.N. Min, X.H. Wang, F.X. Wei, P.X. Jiao and F.Z. Liu
Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 2013, 12(24), 1690-1699.
Abstract
This study was intended to assess effects of dietary vitamin C supplementation on growth performance, meat quality, immune function as well as anti-oxidative capacity of broilers. A total of 240, 1 day old Avian broiler chicks divided randomly into three treatments, each of which was composed of eight replicates with ten birds and birds fed a corn-soybean meal basal diet supplemented with 0, 150, 300 mg kg-1 vitamin C, respectively. Results showed that dietary vitamin C addition could significantly increased average daily weight gain and feed intake of the broilers (p<0.05) but did not have significant effects on their feed to gain ratio; compared with the control treatment, dietary vitamin C addition at 300 mg kg-1 could significantly increased the pectoral muscle percentages, abdominal fat percentages and liver weight ratio of broilers (p<0.05). Dietary vitamin C additions could significantly increase pectoral muscle b* and leg muscle L* of the broilers and that significantly improved the water holding capacity and tenderness of their leg muscles (p<0.05). The thymus index, bursa of Fabricius index, Newcastle disease antibody level of broilers were much higher where vitamin C was added at 300 mg kg-1 than in the control treatment indicating that immunity of broilers got effectively improved (p<0.05). Dietary vitamin C addition at 300 mg kg-1 significantly increased the vitamin C content in blood serum and pectoral muscles (p<0.05), also superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities and total anti-oxidative capacity in blood serum significantly increased (p<0.05), so that dietary vitamin C addition was helpful to eliminating free radicals and raising anti-oxidative capacities of broilers. Dietary vitamin C addition at 300 mg kg-1 significantly slowed down lipid per-oxidation and color variation of pectoral muscles while the muscles were refrigerated at 4°C, so that it took effect along with anti-oxidative enzymes to inhibit oxidation-caused meat quality deterioration, stabilize meat colors and prolong meat shelf life. Results of the present study indicated that dietary vitamin C addition at 150 mg kg-1 performed better in improving growth performances and immune functions of broilers and dietary vitamin C addition at 300 mg kg-1 performed better in improving body and muscle anti-oxidative capacity, reducing lipid per-oxidation in meat storage and prolonging meat shelf life.
ASCI-ID: 156-4428
Similar Articles
Canonical Correlation Analysis of Body Measurements, Growth Performance and Carcass Traits of Red Karaman Lambs
Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 2008, 7(2), 130-136.
Effects of Kefir as a Probiotic on Growth Performance and Carcass Characteristics in Geese (Anser anser)Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 2009, 8(3), 562-567.
Growth Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Feedlot Lambs Fed Diets with Pig Manure and Rumen ContentsJournal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 2007, 6(4), 505-508.
Comparison of Growth Characteristics of Holstein, Brown Swiss, and Their F1 Crossbred during the Wintering PeriodJournal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 2005, 4(5), 502-505.
Growth Performance of Crossbred and Purebred Chickens Resulting from Different Sire Strain in a Humid Tropical EnvironmentJournal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 2006, 5(8), 674-678.
Effect of Breed of Sire on Growth Performance of Exotic Crossbred Pigs in a Humid Tropical EnvironmentJournal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 2006, 5(9), 744-748.
Growth Performance, Nutrient Utilization and Carcass Characteristics of Rabbits Fed Malted Sorghum Sprout (MSP) Based DietsJournal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 2006, 5(10), 852-854.
Influence of Soybean Oil on Growth Performance, Carcass Properties, Abdominal Fat Deposition and Humoral Immune Response in Male Broiler ChickensJournal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 2007, 6(11), 1317-1322.
Effects of Microbial Phytase on Performance and Bone Strenght in Broiler ChickensJournal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 2009, 8(8), 1466-1471.
Effects of Various Ages of Weaning on Growth Performance of Morkaraman LambsJournal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 2009, 8(8), 1551-1554.
The Effects of Dietary of Soybean Lecithin on the Growth Performance Feed Conversion and Body Composition of Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus L.) FryJournal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 2009, 8(8), 1678-1684.
Growth Performance and Blood Parameters as Influenced by Different Levels of Dietary Arginine in Broiler ChickensJournal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 2010, 9(1), 70-74.
Effects of Exogenous Enzyme Supplementation in Diets on Growth and Feed Utilization in African Catfish, Clarias gariepinusJournal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 2010, 9(2), 327-331.
Dietary Tryptophan Effects on Growth Performance and Blood Parameters in Broiler ChicksJournal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 2010, 9(4), 700-704.
Effect of Dietary Crude Protein and Energy on Gaoyou Ducklings Growth Performance and Carcass TraitJournal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 2010, 9(4), 826-830.
Growth Performance of Big-6 Broiler White Turkeys in the Different Rearing ConditionsJournal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 2010, 9(7), 1156-1159.
The Influence of Stocking Density on Growth and Feed Efficiency in Gilthead Seabream, Sparus aurataJournal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 2010, 9(8), 1280-1284.
Growth Performance of Big-6 Broiler White Turkeys in the Different Rearing ConditionsJournal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 2010, 9(9), 1334-1337.
Effect of Dietary Supplementation of Different Rates of Spirulina (Spirulina platensis) on Growth and Feed Conversion in Guppy (Poecilia reticulata Peters, 1860)Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 2010, 9(9), 1395-1399.
Performance of Broiler Chickens Fed Diets Containing Low Inclusion Levels of Black Cumin SeedJournal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 2010, 9(21), 2725-2728.
Effect of Atmospheric Ammonia on Growth Performance and Immunological Response of Broiler ChickensJournal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 2010, 9(22), 2802-2806.
Effect of Incremental Levels of Dried Tomato Pomace with and without Dietary Enzyme Supplementation on Growth Performance, Carcass Traits and Ileal Protein Digestibility of Broiler ChicksJournal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 2011, 10(4), 443-448.
Effect of Hair Color Variation on Milk Production and Kid Growth in Turkish Hair GoatJournal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 2011, 10(8), 1037-1040.
Effects of Different Levels of Zinc on the Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Broiler Rearedunder Heat Stress ConditionJournal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 2011, 10(10), 1332-1335.
Growth Performance Responses and Indicators of Gastrointestinal Health in Early Weaned Pigs Fed Chinese Herbal Medicine Additives-Supplemented DietsJournal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 2011, 10(12), 1580-1587.
Effects of Dietary Tryptophan Supplementation and Feed Restriction on Growth Performance and Carcass Characteristics of GoslingsJournal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 2011, 10(16), 2079-2083.
Performance, Carcass Characteristics and Meat Quality of Intact and Castrated Ardhi Goat Kids Fed High Energy DietJournal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 2011, 10(16), 2157-2162.
Growth Performance and Feed Utilization of Koi Carp (Cyprinus carpio L., 1758) Fed Partial or Total Replacement of Fish Meal with Hazelnut Meal and Soybean MealJournal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 2011, 10(15), 1956-1961.
The Effect of Probiotics on Growth Performance and Body Composition of Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio)Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 2011, 10(18), 2408-2413.
Influence of Dietary Vegetable Wasps with Fly Pupa on Gastrointestinal Tract Microflora, Carcass Characteristics and Growth Performance in Broiler ChickensJournal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 2011, 10(22), 2930-2935.
Evaluating the Growth Performance of Native Stream Trout (Salmo trutta) in North Firat under Culture ConditionsJournal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 2012, 11(1), 152-157.
Effect of Dietary Energy Density on Performance and Lean Deposition of Growing-Finishing PigsJournal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 2012, 11(5), 665-675.
Effects of Duzhong (Eucommia ulmoides Oliv.) on Growth Performance and Meat Quality in Broiler ChicksJournal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 2012, 11(9), 1385-1389.
The Effects of Feeds Containing High and Low Levels of Fullfat Soybean on the Growth Performance and Production Cost of Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss, W.)Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 2012, 11(10), 1522-1526.
Effect of Phytase on the Growth Performance, Calcium and Phosphorus Availability of BroilersJournal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 2012, 11(14), 2509-2515.
Dietary Supplementation with Recombinant Lactoferrampin-Lactoferricin Improves Growth Performance and Affects Serum Parameters in PigletsJournal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 2012, 11(14), 2548-2555.
Effects of Clostridium butyricum on Growth Performance, Nitrogen Metabolism, Intestinal Morphology and Cecal Microflora in Broiler ChickensJournal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 2012, 11(15), 2665-2671.
Effects of Oral Administration of Spermine on the Development of Small Intestine and Growth Performance of Weaned PigsJournal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 2012, 11(15), 2782-2787.
Effects of Dietary Supplementation with Combined Arginine and Glutamine on Growth Performance and Small Intestinal Development in Neonatal PigletsJournal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 2012, 11(17), 3187-3193.
The Effects of Ligustrum lucidum Extract on Growth Performance and Meat Quality in Growing-Finishing PigsJournal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 2012, 11(18), 3342-3345.
Effects of Dietary Silymarin Supplementation on Growth Performance and Oxidative Status in Carassius auratus gibelioJournal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 2012, 11(18), 3399-3404.
Dietary Effects of Natural and Modified Clinoptilolite Supplementation on Growth Performance, Fat Deposition and Carcass Characteristics of BroilersJournal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 2012, 11(22), 4263-4268.
Effects of Dietary Conjugated Linoleic Acid on the Growth Performance of Fish: A ReviewJournal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 2012, 11(23), 4315-4323.
Effects of Creatine Monohydrate on Growth Performance, Carcass Characteristics and Meat Quality of Yellow-Feathered BroilersJournal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 2012, 11(23), 4382-4388.
Effects of Dietary Energy and Protein on Growth Performance and Carcass Quality of Broilers During Finishing PhaseJournal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 2012, 11(19), 3652-3657.
Effects of Dietary Protein Levels on Growth Performance and Feed Intake in Native Moo Lath Lao PigsJournal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 2013, 12(3), 406-411.
Effect of Mentha caucasica on Growth Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Japanese Quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica)Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 2013, 12(8), 909-913.
Detoxification Effects of Wood Vinegar on Aflatoxin B1 in Broiler ChickenJournal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 2013, 12(14), 1256-1259.
Associative Effects of Supplementing Rice Straw with Rapeseed Meal on Performance, Digestion and Ruminal Microbes for Growing LambsJournal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 2014, 13(6), 365-371.
Effects of Different Protein Levels on Growth Performance,Carcass Characteristics and Blood Parameters of Cherry Valley DucksJournal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 2013, 12(21), 1605-1609.
Effects of Dietary Biochar Including Vinegar Liquid on Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, Blood Characteristics and Fecal Noxious Gas Emission in Weaned PigletsJournal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 2014, 13(18), 1072-1079.
Effect of Dietary Lysine Fed to Pigs at Late Finishing Stage on the Market-Value Associated Carcass CharacteristicsJournal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 2015, 14(8), 232-236.
Effects of Diets Supplemented with Green Tea By-Product on Growth Performance and Hematological Parameters in CalvesJournal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 2021, 20(1), 32-38.
Performance and Humoral Immune Response to Newcastle Disease in Tow Strains of Broiler ChickensJournal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 2007, 6(3), 451-453.
Induction of Fever and Sickness Behavior in Telemetrically Monitored Rats During Systemic Inflammation Induced by ZymosanJournal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 2007, 6(4), 569-575.
Immune Response Produced by Brucella ovis and Mutants in virB10 and virB11 in Murine ModelJournal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 2009, 8(5), 928-934.
In situ Analysis of CD4, CD8 and Mast Cells in Lung of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae Experimentally Infected PigsJournal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 2008, 7(6), 752-758.
Effects of Vitamin E and C Supplementation on Performance and Immune Response of Broiler ChicksJournal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 2007, 6(9), 1060-1069.
Immunostimulatory Effects of Arginine in Broiler Chickens Challenged with Vaccine Strain of Infectious Bursal Disease VirusJournal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 2010, 9(3), 594-600.
Tryptophan Stimulates Immune Response in Broiler Chickens Challenged with Infectious Bursal Disease VaccineJournal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 2010, 9(3), 610-616.
A Polymorphism in the IFN-γ Gene is Associated with Immune Response and Economic Traits in Landrace PigJournal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 2010, 9(10), 1441-1444.
Effects of Different Levels of Zinc on the Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Broiler Rearedunder Heat Stress ConditionJournal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 2011, 10(10), 1332-1335.
Differentially Expressed Genes in Subcutaneous Fat Tissue in an Obese Pig Model Induced by a High-Fat DietJournal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 2011, 10(14), 1804-1810.
Immunogenicity of Recombinant Attenuated Salmonella Choleraesuis C500 Strain Co-Expressing M and N Protein of Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus (PEDV)Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 2012, 11(17), 3234-3241.
Effect of Turmeric Powder as a Dietary Supplement on Performance Indicators and Immune Responses in Broiler ChickensJournal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 2015, 14(2), 30-35.
Studies on Growth of Pelon Mexicano Pigs: Effect of Rearing Conditions on Carcass Traits and Meat QualityJournal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 2009, 8(2), 202-207.
Evaluation of Changes in Management Practices on Frequency of DFD Meat in CattleJournal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 2008, 7(3), 319-321.
Pigmentation and Meat Quality of Broiler Chickens Fed Maize Replaced with Panicum maximum with or Without Roxazyme-G And Ronozyme-P SupplementationJournal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 2008, 7(6), 663-668.
Relationship Between Management Factors and the Occurrence of DFD Meat in CattleJournal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 2006, 5(7), 578-581.
Effects of Freezing Temperature and Defrosting Method on Pork Quality CharacteristicsJournal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 2005, 4(12), 976-979.
Detection of Quantitative Trait Loci Affecting Muscle Histochemical Properties in the F2 Progeny of a Cross Between Japanese Black and Limousin BreedJournal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 2009, 8(11), 2190-2195.
Polymorphism in Intron-1 of ApoVLDL-II Gene and its Association with Meat Quality and Fatness Traits in DuckJournal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 2010, 9(1), 199-204.
Association of the MYPN Gene Polymorphisms with Meat Quality in Commercial PigsJournal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 2010, 9(4), 705-709.
Effects of Dietary Arginine and Methionine Levels on Broiler Carcass Traits and Meat QualityJournal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 2010, 9(11), 1546-1551.
Water Holding Capacity and PH of Meat from the Wild Rabbit(Oryctolagus cuniculus algirus) Hunted SpecimensJournal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 2010, 9(11), 1560-1564.
Effects of Papaya Leaf Meal, Pineapple Skin Meal and Vitamin D3 Supplementation on Meat Quality of Spent Layer ChickenJournal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 2010, 9(22), 2873-2876.
A Typing System Based on Ligase Detection Reaction for Myogenin Gene Polymorphisms in ChickenJournal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 2011, 10(1), 29-32.
Variation in Carcass and Meat Quality by Genetic Group and Gender Interaction in Pigs Produced in Hot ClimatesJournal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 2011, 10(4), 449-453.
Association of MyF5, MyF6 and MyOG Gene Polymorphisms with Carcass Traits in Chinese Meat Type Quality Chicken PopulationsJournal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 2011, 10(6), 704-708.
Influence of Aging Days and Age at Harvest on Meat Quality of Gannan Black YakJournal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 2011, 10(9), 1089-1096.
Fattening Performance, Carcass Characteristics and Meat Quality Traits in Hair Goat (Anatolian Black) Male KidsJournal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 2011, 10(10), 1350-1354.
Performance, Carcass Characteristics and Meat Quality of Intact and Castrated Ardhi Goat Kids Fed High Energy DietJournal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 2011, 10(16), 2157-2162.
Effects of Bamboo Charcoal Including Vinegar Liquid on Growth Performance and Meat Quality in Chinese Indigenous Breed During FatteningJournal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 2011, 10(18), 2470-2473.
Introduction about Indigenous Goat Breed Resources in Chongqing Municipality and Genetic Relationship Research about These Goat Breeds with Other Goat Breeds in Adjacent ProvincesJournal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 2012, 11(4), 488-493.
Comparison of Meat Quality and Composition for Longissimus Muscle Tissues from Gaoligongshan Pig and Saba x Gaoligongshan Cross PigJournal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 2012, 11(5), 592-594.
Effects of Guanidinoacetic Acid on Growth Performance, Meat Quality and Antioxidation in Growing-Finishing PigsJournal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 2012, 11(5), 631-636.
A Novel Method Based on Ligase Detection Reaction for PGC-1α G646A Gene Polymorphism and its Genetic Effect on Meat Quality in ChickenJournal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 2011, 10(22), 2921-2925.
Meat Quality of Thai Indigenous Chickens Raised Indoors or with Outdoor AccessJournal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 2012, 11(7), 975-978.
Effects of Duzhong (Eucommia ulmoides Oliv.) on Growth Performance and Meat Quality in Broiler ChicksJournal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 2012, 11(9), 1385-1389.
Icariin Changes ANGPTL3 Expression and LPL Activity to Improve Meat Quality in SwineJournal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 2012, 11(9), 1450-1454.
Study on Effect of Chinese Herbal Medicine Additives on Meat, Fur and Hide Quality of Rex RabbitsJournal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 2012, 11(12), 1971-1976.
Carcass Characteristics and Meat Quality in Four Saudi Camel BreedsJournal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 2012, 11(17), 3100-3104.
Effect of Natural Vitamin E Level and Duration of Supplementation on Growth Performance, Breast Meat Quality and Oxidative Stability of BroilersJournal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 2012, 11(18), 3268-3275.
The Effects of Ligustrum lucidum Extract on Growth Performance and Meat Quality in Growing-Finishing PigsJournal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 2012, 11(18), 3342-3345.
Effects of Dietary Energy and Protein on Growth Performance and Carcass Quality of Broilers During Finishing PhaseJournal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 2012, 11(19), 3652-3657.
Pre-Rigor Beef Quality Assessment of Bali Cattle Subjected to Different Finishing Systems in MalaysiaJournal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 2012, 11(20), 3766-3771.
Analysis of Nutritional Components of Glycyrrhiza and the Effects of its Extract on Meat Quality of Tan SheepJournal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 2012, 11(22), 4171-4176.
Effects of Creatine Monohydrate on Growth Performance, Carcass Characteristics and Meat Quality of Yellow-Feathered BroilersJournal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 2012, 11(23), 4382-4388.
Changes in Meat Quality Characteristics and Calpains Activities in Gannan Yak (Bos grunniens) Meat during Post Mortem AgeingJournal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 2013, 12(3), 363-368.
Effects of Dietary Oregano Essential Oil on Carcass and Meat Quality of Kivircik LambsJournal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 2013, 12(10), 991-995.
SNP Identification and Analysis in Part of Exon 3 of Beef Cattle MSTN Gene and Variation among BreedsJournal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 2014, 13(3), 174-177.
Protecting Dietary Vitamin C and High Oleic Oil in Feed and its Effect on the Nutritional Profile of Goat MilkJournal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 2006, 5(1), 30-37.
Possible Improvement in Income with Vitamin C Fortified Diets in Practical Farming of Heterobranchus longifilis FingerlingsJournal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 2007, 6(4), 479-484.
Effects of Vitamin E and C Supplementation on Performance and Immune Response of Broiler ChicksJournal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 2007, 6(9), 1060-1069.
Effects of L-Carnitine and Vitamin C-Electrolyte Premix Supplementation to Diet Containing Safflower Seed on Performance, Egg Quality and Some Serum Parameters in Quails under Summer ConditionJournal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 2010, 9(8), 1212-1215.
Effects of Vitamin E, Vitamin C and Mannanoligosaccharide (Bio-Mos®) Supplements on Performance and Immune System in Broiler ChicksJournal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 2010, 9(20), 2647-2654.
Effect of Dietary Supplementation of Vitamin C on the Reproductive Performance of Female Livebearing Ornamental FishJournal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 2011, 10(16), 2074-2078.
Comparative Effect of Pediococcus acidilactici as Probiotic and Vitamin C on Survival, Growth Performance and Enzyme Activities of White Leg Shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei)Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 2014, 13(14), 877-885.