The level of major proteins and minerals in the blood serum of chickens fed diets with pure cellulose.

The aim of the research was to determine the concentration of total protein and its fractions as well as the concentration of selected mineral components in the blood serum of male broiler chickens Cobb 500 fed diets with different cellulose content. Blood samples were collected for examination from the birds' pterygoid canal veins on their 42 day of age. There was no influence of cellulose preparation on the content of total protein and its fractions: albumins, alfa1-, alfa2-, beta-, gamma-globulins, albumin to globulin ratio, inorganic phosphorus, sodium, potassium, chloride and iron concentrations in blood serum. The highest calcium concentration (P < 0.05) was detected in the blood serum of males fed a diet with the highest cellulose content (0.75-0.95%). Simultaneously, a tendency of increased calcium content was observed along with an increased amount of pure cellulose in diets. The lowest magnesium level (P < 0.05) was observed in the blood of birds fed diets with the lowest amount of cellulose (0.25-0.45%). The magnesium level in the blood of birds fed a diet with higher amounts of cellulose did not considerably differ from the control group. Results from the current study suggest that introduction of a limited amount of pure cellulose into the diet of broiler chickens does not affect total protein concentration and protein fractions but can influence the mineral content in the blood serum.