Effects of different levels of fenofibrate on growth performance, carcase characteristics, abdominal fat, serum constitutes, immune system, caeca and microbial flora of broilers

Abstract

So far, the effect of fenofibrate on the performance, quantitative and qualitative characteristics of broilers have not been investigated. For this reason, this study was performed to evaluate the effects of different levels of fenofibrate on the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of broilers in a completely randomised design with three treatments, four replicates and 10 one-day-old male Ross 308 strain chicks per replicate for 42 d. Experimental treatments included three levels of fenofibrate (0, 50 and 100 mgkg−1), which were used in combination with the basal diet. Results showed that 100 mgkg−1 fenofibrate in the diet increased the weight gain and European production efficiency factor (EPEF) and reduced feed intake and feed conversion ratio (FCR) of the whole period compared to the control (p .05). The number of E. coli, coliform and clostridium bacteria in the caecum decreased with the use of fenofibrate in comparison with the control group (p < .05), but fenofibrate increased the lactobacilli population in the caecum (p < .05). According to the results, the use of 100 mgkg−1 fenofibrate in the diet is recommended to improve some quantitative and qualitative characteristics of broilers.Highlights The accumulation of fat in the body of chickens is an undesirable trait for producers and consumers. Fenofibrate is a derivative of fibric acid and a blood fat-lowering chemical used to lower cholesterol levels in cardiovascular patients. The results of this study showed that the use of fenofibrate is effective in improving performance, and reducing the population of harmful bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract.

Keywords

• fenofibrate
• immune system
• microflora
• serum lipid parameters