Serum Biochemical Parameters and Meat Quality Influenced Due to Supplementation of Sodium Butyrate in Broiler Chicken

A biological trial was conducted to assess the effect of sodium butyrate on serum biochemistry and meat quality parameters in broiler chicken. The trial consisted of 6 experimental diets. The diets were control group fed diet without antibiotic (AB), group fed diet with AB (Oxytetracycline – 50 ppm), groups fed diet with two levels of coated sodium butyrate (CSB) (0.09 % and 0.18 %) and uncoated sodium butyrate (UCSB) (0.03 % and 0.06 %) without AB. The serum protein fractions, parameters of kidney and liver function tests, HI titre against Newcastle Disease and serum antioxidants were not influenced by the inclusion of AB, CSB or UCSB. CSB at both levels of incorporation was found to lower the total (P<0.01) and LDL cholesterol (P<0.05) when compared to the control diet without AB while, the reduction was significant only at higher level of CSB when compared to group fed diet with AB. UCSB did not influence the cholesterol levels. Supplementation of CSB, UCSB or AB did not alter serum mineral levels, except sodium which was increased (P<0.05) in group fed CSB at 0.18 %. The sensory evaluation and quality parameters of meat were not influenced by treatment groups. The overall acceptability of meat of birds fed both levels of UCSB was poorer than other treatment groups. It can be concluded that supplementation of sodium butyrate did not greatly alter the serum biochemical parameters and meat quality except the reduction of serum total and LDL cholesterol due to coated sodium butyrate. slaughtered birds, blood was collected and serum separated. The serum samples were analyzed for protein fractions, lipid profile, minerals (calcium, phosphorus), and liver and kidney function tests using the biochemical kits from M/s. Span Diagnostics Ltd., Sachin, India. Serum LDL-cholesterol was calculated by Friedewald equation (Friedewald et al., 1972). The serum sodium and potassium levels were determined using flame photometer as per AOAC (2012). Serum level of superoxide dismutase was measured by the method of Marklund and Marklund (1974). Serum malonaldehyde (MDA) was measured according to Salih et al. (1987), Catalase activity by Claiborne (1985) and Ascorbic acid by Kway (1978) methods and the antibody titre in the serum by Haemagglutination Inhibition test (OIE, 2008). Breast muscle samples were used to study the meat quality. The fresh breast muscle (5g) collected immediately after slaughter was minced and taken in a beaker containing 45 ml of double glass distilled water (pH – 6.7). The pH of meat was estimated using Oaklon multiparameter PCSTM35 tester and the water holding capacity by filter paper press method (Grau and Hamm, 1957). Accurately weighed (300 mg) of muscle was kept in-between a folded Whatman filter paper. The folded filter paper with meat was then kept in-between two glass slides. The muscle tissue was subjected to a downward force by placing a 100g weight on the top of the upper glass slide for 3 minutes. The areas of the two resultant wet impressions were expressed in square centimeter. The tenderness of meat sample was estimated by shear force value. The measurement of shear force value was carried out using a Warner – Bartzler meat shear (G.R. Electric Manufacturing Company, Manhattan, U.S.A.,) and cooking loss by Pearson and Dutson (1994).