The Effect of Grape Seed Extract and Vitamin C Feed Supplementation on Some Blood Parameters and HSP70 Gene Expression of Broiler Chickens Suffering from Chronic Heat Stress

Abstract

In this experiment, the effect of hydroalcoholic grape seed extract (GSE) and vitamin C feed supplementation on some blood parameters and heat shock protein 70 (HSP70 gene) expression of broiler chickens suffering from chronic heat stress was investigated. Experimental diets included control diet (with no additive), 3 levels of GSE (150, 300, 450 mg/kg), and one level of vitamin C (300 mg/kg). Each diet was fed to 5 replicates of 12 male chicks each, from d 1 to 42. The birds suffered from chronic daily heat stress under 34±1°C temperature with 65 to 70% relative humidity for 5 h from 29 to 42 d of age. Results showed that 300 mg/kg GSE supplementation increased body weight of broilers both before and after heat stress condition (at 28 and 42 d, respectively). Also, birds fed 300 mg GSE/kg diet had higher European production efficiency factor during the whole period of the experiment. Supplementation of GSE decreased the concentration of serum glucose at 28 and 42 d; at 42 d (during heat stress condition) and at 450 mg/kg diet it decreased cholesterol, triglyceride, low- and very low density lipoprotein concentration of serum blood. Vitamin C supplementation decreased serum cholesterol concentration of broilers suffering from heat stress. HSP70 gene expression in heart and liver of broilers reduced by GSE and vitamin C supplementation pre- and during chronic heat stress condition.