Determination of the Effect of Feeding Different Sodium Chloride Regimes on Growth Performance, Viscera Organ Weights and Meat Quality Parameters of Broilers from Hatch to 35 Days of Age

This study intended to investigate the growth performance and meat quality traits in broilers fed different regimens of NaCl over a period of 35 days. Seven hundred and fifty 1-day-old chicks (Cobb 500) were randomly assigned to five NaCl feeding regimens to obtain three replicates for each regimen. Broilers in CON group were provided with concentrations of 0.35% NaCl for the duration of the experimental period. The other groups were provided with two concentrations of NaCl (0.45% and 0.55%) under two durations, namely: 1) 1~28 d: 0.45% or 0.55% NaCl for 28 days then CON; and 2) 1~35 d: 0.45% or 0.55% NaCl for 35 days. Broilers fed 0.55% NaCl for 1~35 d showed improved (P<0.05) growth performance compared with broilers fed the CON regimen. Moreover, higher water holding capacity of breast meat was shown by the broilers fed 0.55% NaCl for 1~28 d when compared with that in broilers fed the CON diet (P<0.05). Broilers fed 0.45% NaCl showed an increase (P<0.05) in the lightness of the meat over CON diet and the 0.55% NaCl diet. In addition, broilers offered CON had the highest redness value and highest crude ash content in the breast meat (P<0.05). Feeding 0.45% NaCl for 1~35 d and 0.55% NaCl for 1~28 d resulted in a higher (P<0.05) protein content in breast meat. In conclusion, broilers fed diets with 0.55% NaCl for 1~35 d showed improved growth performance as well as water holding capacity and protein content of the breast meat.