The assessment of serum trace element levels as the diagnostic biomarkers of functional state of broiler chickens

Background and Aim: Elemental analysis is a useful technique for predicting metabolic disorders in broiler chickens. Elemental imbalances are also important for the development of new methods to diagnose the health status of birds that can be implemented on a farm-wide scale. This study aimed to identify elemental markers related to pre-nosological diagnoses of metabolic disorders in broiler chickens. Materials and Methods: We compared birds given high-protein, high-carbohydrate, and high-fat diets. A control group received the standard diet recommended by the All-Russian Research and Technological Institute of Poultry, while experimental Group I received a diet with high-protein content, Group II received a diet with high-carbohydrate content, and Group III received a diet with high-fat content. At the end of the experiment, blood samples were taken for biochemical and elemental analysis. Biochemical analysis was carried out using an automated biochemical analyzer, and the levels of trace elements in the serum were assessed using inductively coupled plasma spectrometry. Results: We found that the high-protein diet was accompanied by a decrease in chicken body weight, cholesterol, and several elements (i.e., P, Cr, Cu, Zn, and B) as well as an increase in the levels of Ca, Co, and Si. The high-carbohydrate diet led to a significant increase in glucose levels as well as a decrease in the levels of albumin, triglycerides, and Cr, Mn, Se, I, and Cu. Finally, the high-fat diet led to an increase in body weight, glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, and the elements Cu, Zn, and Si as well as a decrease in the levels of Mg, Cr, and Fe. Conclusion: The determination of the levels of trace elements such as Co, Cr, Mn, Fe, and Cu in chicken blood serum may be an important indicator of the state of protein, carbohydrate, and lipid metabolism of poultry stock.