Effects of a Diet Low in Vitamin and Mineral Complex and Darkness on the Growth Performance, Mineralization and Femur Histological Structure of Broiler Chickens

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary vitamin and mineral deficiency and darkness on growth performance, femur size, mineralization and bone microstructure in broiler chickens. Methods: 120 male Cobb 500 chicks were randomly assigned to three groups, including a control group and two experimental groups (1st group on a vitamins and minerals deficient diet, 2nd group reared in total darkness), with 40 subjects per group from day 7. Daily calculations of average weight and weight gain were performed and morphological and histomorphometric measurements of the femur were performed on days 28, 35 and 42. Result: The results revealed that the experimental groups showed a significant decrease in growth performance, body weight and weight gain (P less than 0.05) compared to the control group. In addition, a reduction in bone mineralization (weight and ash percentage) and altered bone microarchitecture were observed in the experimental groups. These results indicated that vitamin and mineral complex deficiencies in feed and darkness negatively affected growth performance and trophic and morpho-histological aspects of long bones in broilers. The results of this study may have significant implications for the poultry industry, as they highlights the need to consider factors such as nutrition and lighting conditions when rearing broiler chickens for optimal growth and health. In conclusion, the present study provides valuable insights into the effects of dietary deficiencies of the vitamin-mineral complex and darkness on broiler growth and bone development.