Vitamin E Supplementation and its Effects on Broiler Performance, Nutrient Absorption and Health Markers

Abstract

Vitamin E plays a critical role in antioxidant defense and immune function in poultry, yet optimal dietary inclusion levels remain poorly defined. This study investigated the dose-dependent effects of dietary vitamin E supplementation on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and hematological indices in broiler chickens. Ninety-six day-old Marshall broiler chicks were distributed across four dietary treatments with graded vitamin E levels (n = 24 per treatment). Weight gain increased with increasing vitamin E supplementation, resulting in improved feed conversion ratio. Crude protein digestibility showed a positive dose-dependent response (p<0.001), while ether extract digestibility decreased with increasing vitamin E supplementation. Hematological parameters demonstrated variable responses to vitamin E levels. Serum biochemistry remained largely unaffected, except for low-density lipoprotein which showed a negative dose-dependent relationship. These findings indicate beneficial effects of vitamin E supplementation on growth performance and protein utilization in broilers. From a practical standpoint, the improved feed conversion ratio and enhanced protein digestibility associated with vitamin E supplementation offer favorable economic returns for commercial broiler production, making it a cost-effective nutritional strategy for poultry farmers.