An experiment was conducted to study the effects of L-Glutamic acid (L-Glu) and vitamin D3 on the performance of one-day-old male Hubbard broiler chicks, reared in heated batteries, for a 14 days period. The chicks were fed purified diets containing all essential L-amino acids, minerals, and vitamins (except Vitamin D3) and were supplemented with three levels of L-Glu (5, 10 and 15%) and with four levels of vitamin D3 (0; 5,000; 10,000 and 15,000 IU). The experimental design was a factorial 3 x 4 with four replicates with seven chicks each. The weight gains increased up to an estimated level of 8.56% of L-Glu and 15,000 IU of vitamin D3. The highest feed intake was obtained at an estimated level of 8.48% of L-Glu and 15,000 IU of vitamin D3. There was a reduction of leg problems with 10% of L-Glu and 15,000 IU of vitamin D3. L-Glu, at 8.56% estimated and 15.000 IU of vitamin D3 improved performance and reduced to a minimum the incidence of leg problems.
L-glutamic acid; vitamin D3; broiler chicks; performance; leg abnormalities
