Changes of total protein and protein fractions in broiler chickens during the fattening period

Abstract

Background and Aim: Blood proteins in birds serve as an important indicator in the evaluation of health status and represent a basis in general biochemistry allowing the identification of metabolic alterations. The objective of this study was to evaluate the protein profile in broiler chickens extended by the concentrations of serum protein fractions at different periods of fattening. Materials and Methods: Into the evaluation, we included 24 clinically healthy Ross 308 line meat-type chickens at the age of 2 days. Blood samples were taken on day 4, 18, 32, and 46 of fattening always from six randomly selected chickens. Chickens were fed with a commercial starter, grower, and finisher feeds. The concentrations of total serum protein and protein fractions were evaluated. Results: Various significant changes in the proportion of the individual protein fractions were found during the observed period except for the beta-globulins in all protein fractions and the albumin/globulin (A/G) ratio. At the beginning of the fattening period, the relative concentrations of albumin, α1-globulins, and A/G ratio were significantly lower and the values of α2- and γ-globulins significantly higher (p<0.05). The values of pre-albumin fraction were found as a small band preceding the albumin fraction differed significantly between the different age groups of chickens (p<0.05). The total serum protein concentrations showed higher values in older broilers; the significantly highest mean value was recorded on day 32 of fattening. Conclusion: The results suggest that fattening and age of broilers influences not only the production patterns, metabolic processes, and lipid and mineral profile but also the parameters of protein profile. However, seeing that some contradictory data exist regarding the number and size of globulin fractions in chickens, further analyses are needed.

Injection of Raffinose Family Oligosaccharides at 12 Days of Egg Incubation Modulates the Gut Development and Resistance to Opportunistic Pathogens in Broiler Chickens

“…The increase of serum proteins and albumin not only reflects the status of protein synthesis, carbohydrate, and lipid metabolism [35], but according to Alonge et al, it also indicates the status of resistance and immune response in broilers [35]. In this study, the gradual increase in protein levels in the fattening period can be considered normal and related to the intensive growth of broilers, with similar results as in the other studies conducted on the Ross38 breed [34][35][36][37]. However, we observed a lower protein level in the serum of RFO-injected birds compared to the Control group at day 42 of rearing.…”

“…At day 1 of rearing, the level of albumin was elevated after the in ovo RFO prebiotic treatment compared to the Control group, which could point to the intensified synthesis in liver, to provide the body with building material. As explained elsewhere, the alterations in biochemistry in young broilers are especially pronounced during adaptation to a new feeding regime [34]. The increase of serum proteins and albumin not only reflects the status of protein synthesis, carbohydrate, and lipid metabolism [35], but according to Alonge et al, it also indicates the status of resistance and immune response in broilers [35].…”

“…However, we observed a lower protein level in the serum of RFO-injected birds compared to the Control group at day 42 of rearing. This might result from a good metabolic turnover in the RFO-treated birds, which allowed for better utilization of the nutrients and a lower requirement for protein synthesis at the end of fattening, thus helping to maintain the metabolic balance during the period of rapid growth [34]. It is the more so because the other biochemical indicators show for optimal homeostasis in the RFO-injected birds: a beneficial lipid profile and good hepatic indices (also discussed further), as well as the good performance parameters.…”

Evaluation of Yellow Mealworm Meal as a Protein Feedstuff in the Diet of Broiler Chicks

“…TP is the indicator of the chicken's health and metabolic changes [39]. TP level changes with nutrition [39]. The reduced TP level in our study could be because of the difference in the inclusion level of MWM in the diet, and a higher level of MWM decreased the blood TP level.…”

“…More investigations are needed to further check the dose-response of broilers to the MWM diet fortified with exogenous sodium under the dEB condition. TP is the indicator of the chicken's health and metabolic changes [39]. TP level changes with nutrition [39].…”