The effects of betaine and nano-emulsified plant-oil supplementation on growth performance and serum biochemistry indices of heat-stressed broiler chickens

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the effects of water-added betaine (BET) and Magic oil, (MAGO) on growth performance and blood biochemistry of broilers exposed to constant heat stress (32 ± 1 °C) during 21–35 d. On day 21, 320 chicks (Ross 308) were straight run to one of four groups based supplements with drinking water (DW): control, BET (1 g/L DW), and/or MAGO (1 ml/L DW), respectively). Each treatment consisted of eight replicates with ten birds each. The performance data were obtained at 21, 28, and 35 d. Serum biochemical data of the birds were estimated at day 35. The results showed that body weight gain (BWG) and feed intake did not differ significantly (p > .05) between the treatments. However, Bet alone or in combination with MAGO has improved feed conversion ratio (FCR) during the 28–35 d and 21–35 d periods; also, BET lowered (p < .05) creatinine compared to control. The addition of MAGO alone or in combination with BET increased (p < .05) total protein, albumin, globulin, and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol. In addition, MAGO decreased total lipids, and creatinine, whereas it increased (p < .05) cholesterol, especially good cholesterol, and triglycerides compared with the control. In conclusion, water-BET-supplements alone or in combination with MAGO has improved the FCR under heat stress conditions. Therefore, it is recommended to use Bet alone or both supplements under high-temperature conditions in broiler houses. However, further studies on the use of MAGO and/or BET at different doses are needed to maximise BWG and maintain the productivity of the birds. Highlights Water-enriched magic oil and betaine had higher added value than feeding alone by improving the feed conversion ratio during 21–35 d. Compared with the other groups, water-supplemented magic oil produced some benefits, such as lower serum glucose, higher serum high-density lipoprotein ‘good cholesterol’ and lower creatinine levels. The added value of the combination of magic oil and betaine for growth performance and serum health biomarkers needs further investigation at various levels.