An experiment was conducted to study the effect of L-carnitine (0, 125 mg/kg) in diets with different sources of fat (Soybean oil, tallow, blend  of soybean and tallow) on performance, body composition and blood parameters on 108 broiler chicks (Ross 308) in a factorial arrangement (2×3) with completely randomized design with 6 treatments, 3 replicates and 6 chicks in each replicates. During the experiment (11-28 d) feed intake, body weight gain feed conversion ratio body composition and blood parameters were measured. Based on the results of this experiment, different sources of fat had not significant effect on chick performance. However, carcass fat decreased significantly in chicks fed with diets supplemented with soybean oil but carcass Protein and fat percentage were not affected  by different sources and levels of fat and L-carnitine. L-carnitine supplementation in diet had not significant effect on body weight, feed intake and feed conversion ratio, but it significantly decreased total carcass fat. Adding of soybean oil to diet, significantly reduced, blood glucose, cholesterol and LDL concentration compared with diets containing tallow or a mixture of tallow and soybean oil, while triglyceride, HDL and VLDL concentrations increased. Adding L-carnitine to diets containing soybean oil reduced carcasses fat and glucose, cholesterol and LDL concentrations compared with diets containing tallow or a mixture of tallow and soybean oil in Ross 308 broiler chickens.
 

Keywords: Source of fat, L-Carnitine, Performance, Body composition, Blood parameters, Broilers

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