The effect of supplementary dietary L-carnitine on the growth performance,serum components, carcase traits and enzyme activities in relation to fatty acid beta-oxidation of broiler chickens

1. This study investigated the effects of supplementary dietary L-carnitine on the performance, serum components, carcase traits and specific activiti es of hepatic enzymes related to beta -oxidation of fatty acids in broiler chickens. One hundred and eighty 1-d-old broilers were divided into 2 group s, each with 3 replicates, and given diets supplemented with 0 and 160 mg L -carnitine/kg for 6 weeks. 2. Experimental results indicated that supplementary carnitine did not sign ificantly influence the performance and carcase characteristics of the broi lers. 3. The serum triacylglycerol (TG) and nonesterified fatty acid (NEFA) conce ntrations in the carnitine supplemented group were significantly lower than that in the control group (P<0.05). However, the effect on serum cholester ol, phospholipids concentrations and lipoprotein profiles were not signific ant (P>0.05). 4. Carnitine palmitoyl transferase activity in the carnitine-supplemented g roup was significantly (P<0.05) higher than in the control; however, carnit ine supplementation did not significantly affect the activities of other fa tty acid <beta>-oxidation enzymes. 5. The results in this study demonstrated that supplementary carnitine faci litated fatty acid transportation and did not influence the performance or carcase characteristics of broilers.