RESPONSE OF BROILER CHICKS TO DIETARY MONOSODIUM GLUTAMATE

The objective of this study was to assess the effect of monosodium glutamate (MSG) on broiler performance, blood chemistry and the brain tissues. A total of 120 day-old Lohman broiler chicks were randomly divided into four groups, with 3 replicates (30 birds per treatment). Four approximately isonitrogenous and isocaloric diets with different levels of MSG viz. 0, 0.25, 0.5 and 1.0% were formulated. Feed and water were provided ad libitum throughout the experimental period of 49 days. The results revealed that total feed intake was significantly higher (P<0.05) in chicks fed 1% MSG compared to other three groups. Final body weight gain was significantly (P<0.05) lower in chicks fed 0.25 and 0.5% MSG compared to control group. Feed conversion ratio, serum total proteins and cholesterol levels were not affected by the dietary treatments. Serum lipids level decreased significantly (P<0.01) by dietary MSG. Significant increase (P<0.01) in serum uric acid level was observed in birds fed 0.5% MSG. Light microscopic examination of brain sections showed histopathological lesions in midbrain and cerebellum in birds fed 1% MSG. Midbrain sections showed neuron angulations, chromatolysis, fibrolamellation and gliosis. Cerebellum sections showed spongy degeneration and haemorrhagic foci. It was concluded that high level of MSG (1%) has adverse effects on the nervous tissue of broiler chicks