Morphological and morphometric aspects of the digestive apparatus, serum biochemical measures and activity of pancreatic enzymes of slow- and fast-growing broilers

Abstract

We evaluated the biometry of digestive organs, morfometry of intestinal mucosa, pancreatic enzymes activity and serum biochemical parameter of slow- and fast-growing chicken genotypes. We used a randomized block experimental design with two treatments (Isa Label and Cobb strains) and five replicates with 10 broilers per experimental unit. In order to measure the evaluated parameters, two birds of each replicate were slaughtered at seven, 21 and 42 d of age. The Isa Label broilers presented relative weight of all components of the digestive tract, except for the weight of the liver and small intestine at seven and 42 days, respectively. Villus height was higher for Cobb than for Isa Label in the jejunum and ileum at seven days, and duodenum at 42 days of age. The relative weight, amylase and lipase activity of the pancreas did not differ between strains at different ages of assessment Relative weight and amylase and lipase activity of pancreas did not differ between strains at different ages. The serum Ca, P and triglyceride levels were higher in Isa Label birds only at 21 days of age. We concluded that Isa Label and Cobb strains present peculiarities regarding the development of the digestive system organs and the serum biochemical parameters.