Relation between Abdominal Fat and Serum Cholesterol, Triglycerides, and Lipoprotein Concentrations in Chicken Breeds

This study was undertaken to investigate the relation between abdominal fat and serum biochemical indices in chicken. In the study, 120 chickens at 12 weeks of age from Anka and Rugao breeds were used. They were reared under the same environment and management. Blood samples were taken, the serum was harvested by centrifugation, and then the total cholesterol (TCH), triglycerides (TG), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) were assayed using an enzymatic kit. Very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) were determined using the Friedwald equation. Chickens were slaughtered and the carcasses were dissected manually to estimate the abdominal fat weight. The breeds significantly (P < 0.01) differed in TCH and HDL levels. Compared to females, males had significantly (P < 0.01) higher levels of TCH and LDL in both breeds. TCH was positively correlated with HDL and LDL. Similarly TG was positively correlated with HDL and VLDL. Abdominal fat weight was positively correlated with all serum biochemical indices in Rugao, and in Anka it was positively correlated with TCH and LDL. In conclusion, breed and sex affected serum biochemical indices. In addition, abdominal fat was affected by the levels of serum biochemical indices.