Abstract

L-citrulline (L-Cit) is considered one of the potential amino acids that are able to reduce body temperature in layer chicks. However, there are no reports on functions of L-Cit in KUB chicks. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the effects of oral administration of L-Cit on feed intake, body temperature and plasma biochemical parameters of KUB chicks over two hours post-administration. Neonatal KUB chicks were orally administered with different doses of L-Cit (0, 3.75, 7.5 and 15 mmol/kg body weight). At 30, 60 and 120 min, feed intake was determined, also rectal temperature of chicks was measured by using a digital thermometer. At 120 min after administration, the blood samples were immediately collected through the jugular vein, then biochemical parameters of plasma (total cholesterol, triacylglycerol and total glucose) were analyzed. The obtained results indicated that feed intake, body temperature, and plasma metabolites were not significantly influenced by different doses of L-Cit. In conclusion, L-Cit could not able to improve feed intake, decrease body temperature and change plasma metabolites in KUB chicks.