Effect of saturated and unsaturated fat on the performance, serum and meat cholesterol level in broilers

Aim: A biological trial was conducted for a period of seven weeks to study the effect of graded levels of tallow (saturated) and sunflower oil (un saturated) or combination of both on the production performance, carcass characteristics, serum and meat cholesterol level in broilers. Materials and Methods: The experimental feeds were prepared by the addition of tallow (2% and 4%) and sunflower oil (2% and 4%) either alone or in combination of both (SF oil 1% + tallow 1% and SF oil 2% + tallow 2%). Results: Neither the fat source (sunflower oil or tallow) nor their combinations had influenced the growth rate, feed consumption, feed efficiency, livability and carcass characteristics in broilers. However, at 49 days of age, broilers fed with tallow alone had higher (P<0.01) abdominal fat than the rest of the treatment groups. When compared to control and tallow alone fed groups, the broilers fed with sunflower oil alone and mixture of sunflower oil and tallow had significantly (P<0.01) lower total serum and meat cholesterol level. Conclusion: The data suggest that the abdominal fat yield, serum and meat total cholesterol level of commercial broilers are inversely proportional to the level of polyunsaturated fatty acids in the diet. [Vet World 2013; 6(3.000): 159-162]