Authors : F. Kanyinji and T. Maeda
Abstract: Low Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (LDL-Ch) is the main risk factor for atherogenesis. The efficacy of cardio-protective supplements may therefore be judged based on their ability to reduce LDL-Ch concentration in the blood. Additional dietary Calcium (Ca) decreases blood Total Ch (TCh) concentration. Thus researchers evaluated the influence of additional dietary Ca in form of fossil shells (Aragonite) on total Ch (TCh), LDL-Ch, High Density Lipoprotein Ch (HDL-Ch), Tiglycerols (TG) and Non-esterified Fatty Acids (NEFA) concentrations in chickens. Thirty 21 weeks old Barred Plymouth Rock roosters were fed diets containing 0, 2 or 4% Aragonite flour from 21-53 weeks of age. At 21, 25, 29, 34, 37, 42, 46, 51 and 53 weeks of age, birds were individually weighed and TCh, LDL-Ch, HDL-Ch, TG and NEFA levels in blood were measured. Body weights and NEFA levels were similar among treatments. Treated males showed significantly lower TCh, LDL-Ch and TG levels but higher HDL-Ch concentration than control males. However, these parameters were similar between treated males. Thus, additional dietary Ca in form of Aragonite flour did not affect the nutritional status of the birds when fed at 2 or 4% but beneficially altered levels of TCh, LDL-Ch, HDL-Ch and TG in blood.
F. Kanyinji and T. Maeda, 2011. Individual Plasma Lipoprotein Cholesterol Levels in Breeding Barred Plymouth Rock Male Chickens are Influenced by Additional Calcium in the Diet. Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 10: 1394-1400.