The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of clenbuterol (CB), a beta2-adrenergic agonist, as a growth and weight gain promoter in broilers. Effects of CB were assessed, mixing it in feed at 0.0, 0.21, 0.42 and 0.84ppm, and feeding during four weeks to four groups (n=75) of 28 day-old Arbor Acres chickens. The body weight (BW) and food intake at 0, 12, 20 and 28 days of the study were recorded. Also abdominal fat (AF) and total muscle proteins were measured. Results indicate that from day 20 until the last of the experimental period (56-day-old), efficacy of CB was evident to increase growth and decrease AF deposition rates (P<0.01), in a dose-response pattern, suggesting that CB has a profitable growth promoting effect in broiler chickens.
Chick; clembuterol; muscle protein; weight gain; abdominal fat; food conversion
