Antioxidant Status Of Broiler Chickens Research Articles

Evaluating the effects of red osier dogwood extract and grape pomace on growth performance, plasma biochemistry, intestinal morphology and microbiota, and immune and antioxidant status of broiler chickens challenged with heat stress

288 one-day-old Ross 308 broiler chicks were randomly allotted into 4 dietary treatments; 1)Control (CON; corn-wheat-soybean based diet), 2)CON + 0.05% bacitracin methylene disalicylate (BMD), 3)CON + 0.3% ROD, and 4)CON + 2.5% GP and raised for 28 d. On d 21-27, birds were exposed to either a thermoneutral (TN; 24°C±1) or heat stress (HS; 32-34°C for 8 hr/day). On d 28, twelve male birds per treatment/temperature group were euthanized for measuring blood and intestinal health parameters. 0.05% BMD and 0.3% ROD inclusion improved (P ≤ 0.05) the ABWG and FCR, compared to CON. HS reduced (P ≤ 0.05) AFI, bursa and spleen weights, plasma ALT, lipase, and CK but increased (P ≤ 0.05) ALP, serum immunoglobulins compared to TN birds. HS further reduced (P ≤ 0.05) duodenal VH:CD, jejunal VH and VH:CD but this was reversed by ROD and GP. 0.05% BMD and 2.5% GP increased (P < 0.001) the relative abundance of Blautia and Sellimonas compared to the CON diet. ROD increased (P = 0.010) the relative abundance of Faecalibacterium compared to the BMD diet. The results suggest that 0.3% ROD extract may function as an alternative to antibiotics in improving broiler growth performance and intestinal health.

Effect of Adding Different Levels of Silver -Curcumin Nanoparticles on Some Productive Traits, Blood Parameters and Antioxidant Status of Broiler Chickens

The objective of the current study was to investigate the impact of adding different levels of silver-curcumin nanoparticles on some productive traits, blood parameters and antioxidant status of broiler chickens. A total of 144 broiler chicks (Ross308),one day old, with an average weight of 40 grams, were used in this study. The chicks were randomly distributed into four experimental treatments (each with 36 chicks), with three replicates for each treatment (12 chicks per replicate), using a completely randomized design for a period of 35 days. The first treatment was a control without addition, while the second, third, and fourth treatments, each added 1, 1.5, and 2 mg of silver-curcumin nanoparticles per liter of drinking water, respectively. The results indicated that the best average body weight, overall weight gain, and feed conversion efficiency were in the fourth treatment. The results indicated a significant increase (p≤0.05) in some blood parameters such as the packed cells volume , red blood cells, and hemoglobin concentration in the third and fourth treatments compared to the other experimental treatments. The results indicated a significant increase (p≤0.05) in the third and fourth treatments for the effectiveness of the GPX enzyme compared to the control and the second treatments. In terms of the CAT enzyme's efficiency, the results showed an improvement all treatments when compared to the control treatment. While the results did not indicate a significant difference in the mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), the activity of the enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD), and the concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) among the study treatments. It can be concluded that adding 2 mg/L of silver- curcumin nanoparticles has improved the growth of broilers and their feed conversion efficiency, as well as improving blood parameters and enhancing antioxidant enzymes such as glutathione peroxidase and catalase.

Performance, haemato-biochemical indices and antioxidants status of broiler chickens fed diet with low metabolizable energy supplemented with graded levels of Guanidino Acetic Acid (GAA)

Abstract The growth, haemato-biochemical indices, and antioxidant status of broiler chickens fed varying levels of Guanidino Acetic Acid (GAA) were evaluated over the course of an eight-week feeding trial. In low ME (2700Kcal/kg) basal diets, the Guanidino Acetic Acid was supplemented at 0, 0.6, and 1.2g/kg, designated as diets I, II, and III, respectively. The average final weight of chickens fed diet III was the highest at the end of the feeding trial. The best feed conversion ratio was observed in birds fed diet III. The packed cell volume and haemoglobin were highest in birds fed diet I. Significantly higher Cholesterol and Albumin were recorded in diets III and II, respectively. All the antioxidant parameters were significant except Catalase. The glutathione peroxidase increased with increased Guanidino acetic Acid supplementation while Catalase reduced with increased GAA supplementation. According to the findings of this study, Guanidino Acetic Acid improved the health of broilers while having no negative effects on their health. It is therefore concluded that supplementation of Guanidino Acetic Acid at 1.2g/kg with low metabolizable energy promoted superior growth effect of the chickens and also reduce cost of production.

Impacts of Solid-State Fermented Barley with Fibrolytic Exogenous Enzymes on Feed Utilization, and Antioxidant Status of Broiler Chickens.

The present and future high demand of common cereals as corn and wheat encourage the development of feed processing technology that allows for the dietary inclusion of other cereals of low nutritional value in poultry feeding. Barley grains contain anti-nutritional factors that limit their dietary inclusion in the poultry industry. The treatment of barley with solid-state fermentation and exogenous enzymes (FBEs) provides a good alternative to common cereals. In this study, barley grains were subjected to solid-state microbial fermentation using Lactobacillus plantarum, Bacillus subtilis and exogenous fibrolytic enzymes. This study aimed to assess the impact of FBEs on growth, feed utilization efficiency, immune modulation, antioxidant status and the expression of intestinal barrier and nutrient transporter-related genes. One-day-old broiler chicks (Ross 308, n = 400) comprised four representative groups with ten replicates (10 chicks/replicate) and were fed corn-soybean meal basal diets with inclusions of FBEs at 0, 5, 10 and 15% for 38 days. Solid-state fermentation of barley grains with fibrolytic enzymes increased protein content, lowered crude fiber and reduced sugars compared to non-fermented barley gains. In consequence, the group fed FBEs10% had the superior feed utilization efficiency and body weight gain (increased by 4.7%) with higher levels of nutrient metabolizability, pancreatic digestive enzyme activities and low digesta viscosity. Notably, the group fed FBEs10% showed an increased villi height and a decreased crypt depth with a remarkable hyperactivity of duodenal glands. In addition, higher inclusion levels of FBEs boosted serum immune-related parameters and intestinal and breast muscle antioxidants status. Intestinal nutrient transporters encoding genes (GLUT-1, CAAT-1, LAT1 and PepT-1) and intestinal barriers encoding genes (MUC-2, JAM-2, occludin, claudins-1 and β-defensin 1) were upregulated with higher dietary FBEs levels. In conclusion, feeding on FBEs10% positively enhanced broiler chickens' performance, feed efficiency and antioxidant status, and boosted intestinal barrier nutrient transporters encoding genes.

Effect of coconut oil on growth performance, carcass criteria, liver and kidney functions, antioxidants and immunity, and lipid profile of broilers

The aim of this study is to evaluate the beneficial effects of coconut essential oil on growth performance, carcass criteria, antioxidant status, and immune response of broiler chicks. A total of 192 un-sexed 7-days broiler chicks were divided into six treatment sets with four copies of 8 chicks per set. The groups were as follows: (1) basal diet (without additive), (2) basal diet plus 0.5 ml coconut essential oil/kg, (3) basal diet plus 1 ml coconut essential oil/kg, (4) basal diet plus 1.5 ml coconut essential oil/kg, (5) basal diet plus 2 ml coconut essential oil/kg and (6) basal diet plus 2.5 ml coconut essential oil/kg. The results showed that the most prevalent compound in coconut oil is 6-Octadecenoic acid (oleic acid) representing 46.44% followed 2(3H)-Furanone, dihydro-5-pentyl- (CAS) (11.36%), Hexadecanoic acid (CAS) (4.71%), and vanillin (2.53%). Dietary 1 and 1.5 ml of coconut oil improved significantly the body weight and gain of broiler chickens. Dietary supplementation of 1 ml of coconut oil improved significantly liver function compared to control and other treatment groups. The supplementation with 1 ml coconut oil significantly reduced TG and VLDL compared to control and other treatment groups, while no significant differences in TC, HDL, and LDL due to dietary coconut oil. The present findings showed that dietary coconut oil with 1 and 1.5 ml/kg feed improved significantly antioxidants status through increased antioxidant enzymes like SOD and GSH while decreasing significantly MDA levels compared to control and other treatment groups. Therefore, it was concluded that the diets of broiler chickens could be fortified with coconut oil with 1 or 1.5 ml to improve the growth, feed utilization, and antioxidant status of broiler chickens.

INFLUENCE OF COUMARIN ON PRODUCTIVITY, IMMUNITY AND ANTIOXIDANT STATUS OF HEALTHY BROILERS

Background. Coumarins are natural compounds (secondary metabolites of plant origin) that have a wide range of biological activity, mainly due to their ability to interact with various enzymes and receptors in living organisms. The relevance of their use in feeding poultry is obvious, in view of the active search for alternatives to feed antibiotics.
 The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of coumarin on the productivity and antioxidant status of broiler chickens.
 Materials and methods. Objects of study: broiler chickens of the Arbor Acres cross, 7-hydroxycoumarin. The experiment was carried out on 180 heads of 7-day-old broiler chickens (n=45). Control - the main diet (OR), 1 experimental – OR + coumarin (at a dose of 1 mg/kg of feed/day, 2 experimental – OR + coumarin at a dose of 2 mg/kg of feed / day, 3 experimental – OR + coumarin in at a dose of 3 mg/kg feed/day. Hematological parameters (number and type of leukocytes) were taken into account on an automatic hematological analyzer URIT-2900 Vet Plus (URIT Medical Electronic Group Co., Ltd, China). Biochemical analysis of blood serum was performed on an automatic biochemical analyzer CS-T240 (Dirui Industrial Co., Ltd, China).
 Results. The inclusion of 7-hydroxycoumarin in the diet contributed to an increase in live weight in the experimental groups by 8,6–19,4%; (by 9,2–21,1%), slaughter yield (up to 4,76%), against the background of a decrease in feed consumption per 1 kg of live weight gain (by 3,5–15,7%). showed a decrease in total protein, albumin, ALT (groups 1 and 2 (p≤0,05)), bilirubin (by 38,3–68,6%), cholesterol (in group 3 by 16,4% (p≤0,05)), triglycerides (groups 1 and 2, p≤0,05), urea (41,8–65,1%; p≤0,05), against the background of elevated iron levels (groups 1 and 2, p≤0,05). Depending on the dose of 7-hydroxycoumarin, a decrease in the number of leukocytes (group 1, p≤0,05), neutrophils (groups 1 and 2, p≤0,05), monocytes, eosinophils and basophils (p≤ 0,05). Antioxidant indicators were characterized by a decrease in the level of malondialdehyde (by 63,7–77,3%), superoxide dismutase activity (22,4–71,5%) and an increase in catalase activity (by 24,3–46,1%).
 Conclusion. Thus, the inclusion of 7-hydroxycoumarin (2 mg/kg feed/day) in the diet contributed to an increase in the live weight of broiler chickens, feed intake, slaughter yield, against the background of a lower feed consumption per 1 kg of live weight gain; had a positive effect on the parameters of the liver (ALT, total bilirubin), lipid and nitrogen metabolism (triglycerides, urea), the antioxidant status of the body of broiler chickens.

Effect of Graded Levels of Dried Orange (Citrus sinensis) Byproducts on Production Efficiency, Blood Parameters and Antioxidant Status of Broiler Chickens

Background: Orange wastes are bioactive compounds produced during the industrial transformation.The experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of feeding dried sweet orange byproducts (DOP) on broiler growth performance, serum metabolites and antioxidant status. Methods: A total of 200 of 20-day experimental broiler chicks were distributed into a completely randomized design which included 4 dietary treatments with 5 replicates of 10 birds fed each. The dietary treatments included a control diet with no corn substitution and three diets containing 5, 10 and 15 % Dried Orange Pulp. Feed intake (FI), body weight gain (BWG), feed conversion ratio (FCR), carcass traits, serum components, and blood antioxidant status were measured. Result: FCR and BWG of chickens were improved when using graded levels of DOP compared to the control group (P less than 0.05). Serum total protein and glucose were significantly increased (P less than 0.0001) in DOP groups compared to the control. Serum Cholesterol and triglyceride decreased significantly (P less than 0.0001) in the DOP groups. Higher Aspartate amino transferase, Lactate Dehydrogenase and Creatine Phospho Kinase activities were observed in Control group compared to the other treatments.

Effects of day-of-hatch intramuscular administration of a herbal extract mixture and its re-supplementation in drinking water on growth performance, stress indicators, and antioxidant status of broiler chickens reared under hot summer conditions.

Broilers under oxidative stress from high ambient temperatures may benefit from the use of additives that have antioxidant properties. This experiment investigated the efficacy of a herbal extract mixture (HEM; aqueous extracts from Ferula gummosa, Thymus vulgaris, and Trachyspermum copticum) in day-old chicks, injected intramuscular (deep pectoral muscle; (0, 30, 60, and 90 μL/0.1 mL of sterilized and distilled water)), and supplemented in drinking water (0 and 0.25 mL/L) during the rearing period. Broilers were reared in battery cages under summer temperature conditions, with average maximum temperature of 35.5°C, average minimum temperature of 25.5°C, and average relative humidity of 50-60%. A total of 400 1-day-old Ross 308 male broiler chicks were randomly assigned to 8 treatment groups (5 replicates/treatment with 10 birds per replicate). From d1 to d10, the indoor air temperature was adjusted to match fluctuating outdoor summer temperatures, and was set at 30-34°C and 50-60% relative humidity; and from d10 onwards, no adjustments were made. Injection of HEM linearly decreased feed:gain (P = 0.005), heterophile-to-lymphocyte (H/L) ratio (P = 0.007), and serum concentrations of cholesterol (P = 0.008), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) (P < 0.001), malondialdehyde (P = 0.005), and cortisol (P = 0.008). The 60 μL of HEM injection produced the best results in terms of final body weight (BW; P = 0.003), overall average daily gain (ADG; P = 0.002), European performance index (P < 0.001), carcass yield (P < 0.001), and serum glutathione peroxidase activity (P < 0.001). Supplementation of HEM in drinking water also increased final BW (P = 0.048), overall ADG (P = 0.047), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P = 0.042), and total antioxidant capacity (P = 0.030), while decreasing the H/L ratio (P = 0.004) and serum LDL concentration (P = 0.031). There were interactions between injection and water supplementation for BW (day 24; P = 0.045), carcass yield (day 42; P = 0.014), and serum superoxide dismutase activity (day 42; P = 0.004). In conclusion, administering an injection of HEM at a dose of 60 μL at the time of hatching, followed by supplementation at a dose of 0.25 mL/L via drinking water during the rearing period could be a useful strategy for improving the performance and health status of heat-stressed broiler chickens.

Effect of dietary supplementation of citrus flavonoids on performance, intestinal epithelium morphology, microbiota in excreta and oxidative stress of broiler chickens subjected to heat stress

Abstract Citrus flavonoids are natural compounds with strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities and can perform as immune-modulators and microbial regulators in the animal organism. This experiment was conducted to determine the effect of citrus flavonoids on growth performance, intestinal morphology, faecal microbiota and antioxidant status in broiler chickens under heat stress. A total of 1,440 one-day-old Ross 308 male broiler chicks were randomly allotted into 4 treatments with 12 replicates of 30 birds per replicate. The chicks were fed a control diet (T1) or T1 supplemented with 500 ppm of bacitracin (T2), with 300 ppm of citrus flavonoids (T3) and a mixture of 500 ppm of bacitracin + 200 ppm of citrus flavonoids (T4). The chickens were exposed to heat stress throughout the experimental period as the study was conducted in Thailand during the months of May and June, with an average temperature of 31 ±Â 3°C and an average humidity of 70 ±Â 3%. No significant differences (P > 0.05) were found in body weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio (FCR), and mortality among dietary treatments during the starter (1 to 10 d), grower (11 to 30 d) and finisher periods (31 to 37 d). However, for the overall feeding period (1 to 37 d), birds fed diet supplemented with 300 ppm of citrus flavonoids showed lower FCR and lower mortality (P < 0.05) compared with the control group. Supplementation with 300 ppm citrus flavonoids also increased villus height and villus height/crypt depth ratio of jejunum (P < 0.05) and promoted Lactobacillus spp. population in faeces (P < 0.05). In addition, supplementation with citrus flavonoids 300 ppm reduced serum malondialdehyde (P < 0.05). Citrus flavonoids had beneficial effects on growth performance and gut morphology, probably by lowering oxidative stress in broilers (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the data indicate that citrus flavonoids deserve to be considered in the diet of broilers raised under heat stress conditions.

Growth-stimulating and antioxidant effects of vanillic acid on healthy broiler chickens.

Phytobiotics are a safe alternative to feed antibiotics in industrial poultry farming that increases productivity by stimulating various digestive enzymes to reduce the number of pathogenic microorganisms in the intestines and improve antioxidant status and immune response. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of vanillic acid in its pure form and in combination with gamma lactone on weight growth and the physiological parameters of broiler chickens. The studies were performed on 120 Arbor Acres broiler chickens (7 days old) that were randomly divided into four groups with five replicates (cages) and six birds per replicate. The control group was fed the basal diet (BD) only. Group I was fed the BD + gamma lactone (average dose 0.07 mL/animal/day). Group II was fed the BD + vanillic acid (average dose 0.07 mL/animal/day). Group III was fed the BD + gamma lactone + vanillic acid in a 1:1 ratio (average dose 0.07 mL/body/day). Live weight of broiler chickens for all group was assessed at the end of each period (age of 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, 42 days). At the end of the experiment (on day 42), 10 broilers with an average live weight were selected for blood sampling from the axillary vein. The results showed a growth-promoting effect of vanillic acid when fed with a diet free of synthetic antioxidants. Groups I and II had increased live weights throughout the entire experiment and a significant increase at the end of the experiment (8.2%-8.5%; p ≤ 0.05) compared to the control group. Toxic effects were not found in the biochemical blood serum analyses of Groups II and III. The metabolic processes in the experimental groups were intensified, especially in the enzyme associated with amino acid metabolism (gamma-glutamyl transferase) in Groups I and III (p ≤ 0.05). Vanillic acid, whether fed alone or in combination with gamma lactone, exhibited high antioxidant activities, protected cells from oxidative damage by inducing total antioxidant, catalase, and superoxide dismutase activities (p ≤ 0.05), and reduced the level of malondialdehyde (p ≤ 0.05) measured. No significant changes in the morphological blood parameters were found. The use of vanillic acid alone and in combination with gamma lactone increases the digestive enzyme activities in blood plasma, increases body weight, and has a positive effect on lipid metabolism and the antioxidant status of broiler chickens. These findings indicate the significant potential use of vanillic acid and gamma lactone in poultry due to their antioxidant properties.

Effects of different levels of dietary chlorogenic acid supplementation on growth performance, intestinal integrity, and antioxidant status of broiler chickens at an early age

This study was conducted to investigate effects of graded levels of chlorogenic acid (CGA) supplementation on growth performance, serum biochemical parameters, intestinal integrity, and antioxidant capacity of broilers at an early age. Two hundred and forty one-day-old male Arbor Acres broiler chicks were assigned to five groups with six replicates of eight birds each, and were fed a basal diet supplemented with 0 (Control group), 125, 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg CGA for 14 days, respectively. The CGA administration linearly and quadratically increased body weight and weight gain and quadratically reduced feed conversion ratio (P < 0.05), and these effects were more pronounced when its dosage was 500 mg/kg (P < 0.05). The CGA supplementation especially at a level of 500 mg/kg linearly increased glucose concentration and quadratically lowered serum total cholesterol and triglyceride levels (P < 0.05). Dietary CGA administration linearly and quadratically reduced plasma diamine oxidase activity and D-lactate concentration (P < 0.05), and these effects were more prominent in 500 mg/kg CGA-supplemented group (P < 0.05). The CGA supplementation linearly increased the ratio between duodenal villus height and crypt depth and ileal villus height (P < 0.05). Moreover, supplementing 500 mg/kg CGA elevated the ratio of jejunal villus height and crypt depth when compared with the control group (P < 0.05). The CGA administration linearly and/or quadratically increased total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), glutathione peroxidase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase activities and glutathione level, and decreased malondialdehyde concentration in serum, duodenum, and jejunum (except T-AOC activity and glutathione level in jejunum) (P < 0.05). Moreover, an addition of CGA linearly or quadratically increased T-AOC activity and glutathione level and reduced malondialdehyde concentration in ileum (P < 0.05). The beneficial effects of CGA on the antioxidant capacity in serum and intestinal mucosa were more apparent when its supplemental level was 500 mg/kg. The results suggested that CGA could improve growth performance, intestinal integrity, and antioxidant status of broilers at an early age, with its recommended dosage being 500 mg/kg.

An investigation of the effect of folic acid and its delivery routes on broiler chickens' hatch and growth performance, blood biochemistry, anti-oxidant status, and intestinal morphology.

This study investigated the effect of folic acid (FA) and its delivery routes (in-feed or in ovo) on broiler chicken's hatch and growth performance, blood biochemistry, anti-oxidant status, and intestinal morphology. A total of 1,860 Cobb 500 hatching eggs were incubated for 21 d. On day 12 of incubation, viable eggs were randomly allotted to four groups: the noninjected group, in ovo saline (injected with 0.1 mL/egg of saline solution), in ovo FA 1 (injected with 0.1 ml FA containing 0.1 mg/egg; FA1), and in ovo FA 2 (injected with 0.1 ml FA containing 0.15 mg/egg). All in ovo treatments were delivered via the amnion. At hatch, chicks were re-allotted to five new treatment groups: FA1, FA2, in-feed FA (FA 3; 5mg/kg in feed), in-feed bacitracin methylene disalicylate (BMD; 55 mg/kg in feed), and negative control (NC; corn-wheat-soybean diet) in 6 replicate pens (22 birds/pen) and raised in starter (days 0 to14), grower (days 15 to 24), and finisher (days 25 to 35) phases. Hatch parameters were assessed on day 0, and body weight and feed intake (FI) were determined weekly. On day 25, 1 bird/cage was euthanized, immune organs weighed, and intestinal tissues harvested. Blood samples were collected for biochemistry and anti-oxidant (Superoxide dismutase-SOD and Malondialdehyde-MDA) analysis. Data were analyzed in a randomized complete block design. While FA1 and FA2 decreased (P < 0.001) hatchability in a dose-dependent manner, FA2 caused a 2% increase (P < 0.05) in average chick weight compared to the noninjected group. Compared to the BMD treatment, FA3 decreased (P < 0.05) average FI across all feeding phases. At the end of the trial on day 35, FA2 had similar feed conversion ratio as the BMD treatment while recording less (P < 0.001) FI. FA1 and FA2 recorded a tendency (P < 0.1) to increase MDA levels and SOD activity by 50% and 19%, respectively, compared to the NC treatment. Compared to NC treatment, FA2 increased (P < 0.01) villus height, width, and villus height to crypt depth ratio in the duodenum, and villus width in the jejunum. Besides its negative effect on hatchability, FA2 may help improve embryonic development and anti-oxidant status in broiler chickens.

The effects of mulberry (Morus alba Linn.) leaf supplementation on growth performance, blood parameter, and antioxidant status of broiler chickens under high stocking density.

A stocking density system in boilers is well known for increasing productivity. However, this system increases stress and affects the growth performance of broilers. Mulberry is a valuable plant with therapeutic applications in traditional medicine; moreover, it reduces free radicals and improves growth performance in broilers. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of mulberry on the blood biochemistry parameters and the antioxidant status of broilers exposed to various raising systems. Two hundred and seventy-six 3-week-old male broilers were randomly assigned to nine categories composed of three growing systems: Semi-intensive, low stocking density, and high stocking density. Each group was fed with a control diet mixed with and without 10% mulberry leaf extract; the positive control group was provided with vitamin C. During the study, phytochemical screening of mulberry leaf extract, growth performances, hematological parameters, and antioxidant profiles were measured over the 4 weeks of the treatment. In the high stocking density group, lipid peroxidation gradually increased while antioxidant activities decreased; however, the level of lipid peroxidation was reduced, whereas catalase and superoxide dismutase activities were significantly increased. The growth performance and blood biochemistry were improved after being fed with 10% mulberry leaf extract. This finding indicates that mulberry leaf extract reduced oxidative stress, activated antioxidant enzyme activities, and enhanced broilers' growth performance when raised under stress conditions.

Effect of replacing inorganic minerals with small peptide chelated minerals on production performance, some biochemical parameters and antioxidant status in broiler chickens.

Due to the low bio-availability of inorganic trace minerals, its application in poultry production has been causing many problems such as environment pollution and waste of resources. The current study was designed to evaluate if replacing inorganic trace minerals (ITM) with small peptide chelate trace minerals (SPM) affects production performance, some biochemical parameters and antioxidant status, tibia mineral deposition, and fecal mineral content in 817 white-feathered broilers. A total of 432 broilers (21-day-old) were randomly divided into four groups with six replicates of 18 chicks each. The four groups included inorganic trace minerals group (addition of 1,000mg/kg ITM; common practice by commercial poultry farms), three organic trace minerals groups with supplementation of 150, 300, and 500mg/kg SPM, respectively. The experiment lasted for 30days. The results showed that there was no significant difference in growth performance and slaughter performance among the four groups (p > 0.05). Total cholesterol in the SPM group was significantly lower than those in the ITM groups (p < 0.01). Compared with the ITM group, the serum urea nitrogen in 150 and 300mg/kg SPM groups decreased significantly (p < 0.01). Among all SPM treatments, 300mg/kg SPM groups had the highest serum glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity (p < 0.01). The activity of copper and zinc superoxide dismutase (Cu/Zn SOD) of liver in ITM group was the lowest among the four groups (p < 0.01). The catalase (CAT) activity of liver in the 150mg/kg SPM group was significantly higher than the ITM group and 300mg/kg SPM group (p < 0.05). Compared to the ITM group, the iron content of the tibia was significantly increased in 300mg/kg SPM group (p < 0.05) and 500mg/kg SPM group (p < 0.01). Compared to the ITM group, dietary supplementation with SPM significantly reduced fecal content of zinc and manganese (p < 0.01). The 150mg/kg SPM and 300mg/kg SPM group had significantly reduced content of iron (p < 0.05). This study demonstrated that replacing inorganic minerals with low doses of SPM (300 and 500mg/kg) did not negatively affect growth and slaughter performance, as well as the antioxidant status of broiler chickens. In addition, SPM can also promote mineral content in the tibia and reduce mineral content in the feces.

PSIII-A-3 An Investigation of the Effect of Folic Acid and its Delivery Routes on Broiler Chickens’ Hatch and Growth Performance, Blood Biochemistry, and Antioxidant Status

Abstract This study investigated the effect of folic acid (FA) and its delivery routes (in-feed or in ovo) on broiler chicken’s hatch and growth performance, blood biochemistry, and antioxidant status. A total of 1,860 Cobb 500 hatching eggs were incubated for 21 days. On d 12 of incubation, viable eggs were randomly allotted to 3 groups: the non-injected group, in ovo folic acid 1 (FA1), and in ovo folic acid 2 groups (FA2) and subsequently injected with 0.1 ml FA containing 0.1 mg and 0.15 mg/egg, via the amnion, respectively. At hatch, chicks were re-allotted to 5 new treatment groups: FA1, FA2, in-feed folic acid (FA3; 5mg/kg), in-feed bacitracin methylene disalicylate (BMD; 55 mg/kg), and negative control (NC; corn-wheat-soybean diet) in 6 replicate pens (22 birds/pen) and raised in starter (d 0 -14), grower (d 15-24) and finisher (d 25-35) phases. Hatch parameters were assessed on d 0, and body weight and feed intake (FI) were determined weekly. On d 25, 1 bird/cage was euthanized, and immune organs weighed. Blood samples were collected for biochemistry and antioxidant (Superoxide dismutase-SOD and Malondialdehyde-MDA) analysis. Data were analyzed in a randomized complete block design. While FA1 and FA2 decreased (P&amp;lt; 0.001) hatchability in a dose-dependent manner, FA2 caused a 2% increase (P&amp;lt; 0.05) in average chick weight compared to the non-injected group. Compared to the BMD treatment, FA3 decreased (P&amp;lt; 0.05) average FI across all feeding phases. However, only in the grower phase did BMD treatment record a lower (P&amp;lt; 0.05) feed conversion ratio (FCR) compared to the NC treatment. Other treatments recorded intermediate FCR values. FA1 and FA2 recorded a tendency (P&amp;lt; 0.1) to increase MDA levels and SOD activity by 50% and 19%, respectively, compared to the NC treatment. Besides its negative effect on hatchability, FA2 may help improve embryonic development and antioxidant status in broiler chickens.

The effects of In Ovo Injection of Garlic (Allium sativum L.) Extract on Hatchability, Liver Enzymes and Antioxidant status of Broiler Chickens

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of in ovo injection of alcoholic garlic extract on hatching traits, liver enzymes, and antioxidant status of broiler chickens post-hatch. In total, 625 broiler breeder eggs (ROSS 308 strain with an average weight of 58.5 g) were divided into 5 treatments (each treatment had three replicates). At 0 embryonic day, the eggs were injected as follows: the first treatment without in ovo injection (negative control), eggs of second treatment were injected with 100 μL.egg-1 distilled water (sham control). The third, fourth, and fifth treatments were injected with 50, 100, and 150 μL.egg-1 of an alcoholic garlic extract respectively. The chicks were reared for 4 weeks after hatching according to in ovo treatments. Hatchability, embryonic mortality, chicks' weight, serum AST, ALT, GPx, SOD activities, and MDA concentration were all measured. The results showed that the hatchability of the fifth treatment was higher (P≤0.05) than those of the other treatments. On the other hand, the embryonic mortality of the fifth treatment was recorded less (P≤0.05) than those of the other treatments. The results of serum AST, ALT, GPx, SOD activities, and MDA concentration were non different significance (P&gt;0.05) among treatments. It is concluded that a garlic extract injection with 150 μL.egg-1 improved hatchability and reduced embryonic mortality. Moreover, it did not affect the chick's weight, serum liver enzymes, and antioxidant status post-hatch.

EFFECTS OF LEAD AND CADMIUM INTOXICATION ON ANTIOXIDANT STATUS OF BROILER CHICKENS AND ITS CORRECTION WITH SYNTHETIC PREPARATIONS

The authors present the results of a study of the effects of long-term (1.5 MPa) and short-term (5, 10 and 15 MPa) intoxication with heavy metals on the antioxidant status of broiler chickens. The authors found that the addition of increased concentrations of toxicants to the diet leads to their accumulation in poultry’s muscle, fat tissues, and skin. According to the study, lead content increases by 2.25 times, cadmium content increases by 6.5 times. Lipophilic compounds Tiofan and Tiofan M have the most pronounced detoxifying effect in chronic intoxication. Fantox 11-1 is the most pronounced detoxifying effect among hydrophilic compounds, which are inferior to lipophilic ones. Accumulation of heavy metals in the body led to a decrease in the antioxidant status of poultry. There was an acceleration of oxidative processes in long-term experimental toxicosis up to 3.10, up to 21.00 times in the short-term. The addition of 100 mg of lipophilic antioxidants per 1 kg of live weight to the diet with 7.5 mg of lead and 0.75 mg of cadmium per 1 kg of feed resulted in a decrease in the rate of oxidation reactions. The presence of lead and cadmium ions in the tissues of poultry caused a reduction of induction periods in the temperature-stabilized samples to 90 %. Enrichment of the diet with Thiophan and Fantox 11-1 increased this indicator up to 12.40 times. The hydrophilic antioxidant Fantox 11-1 dosage of 15 mg per 1 kg of live weight had a pronounced effect. Its introduction into the diet will correct the lack of endogenous antioxidants and increase the body’s antioxidant status under the influence of heavy metals.

Influence of dietary lycopene on growth performance, antioxidant status, blood parameters and mortality in broiler chicken with cold-induced ascites

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to determine the effects of dietary lycopene supplementation on growth performance and antioxidant status of broiler chickens exposed to cold environment to induce ascites. Three hundred male chickens were exposed full-day to cold stress (CT, 10°C) starting from day 15 of age until the end of experiment at day 42, while a positive control group (NT, 100 birds) was kept under normal temperature (23–25°C). The CT groups (three treatments and five replicates of 20 birds) were as follows: negative control (basal diet, CT) and CT + 200 or 400 mg lycopene per kg diet from 15 to 42 d of age. Results showed that CT without lycopene supplementation caused a reduction of feed intake and weight gain and increased the feed conversion ratio. Supplementation of lycopene during CT restored the performance to levels of the positive control, lowered the index of right ventricles/total ventricles and ascites mortality. Birds reared under CT had lower serum activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and higher malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration than birds reared under the NT environment. With lycopene supplementation, serum MDA level significantly decreased and the activity of SOD and GPx increased. Blood concentration of haematocrit, haemoglobin and red blood cells were decreased by the highest lycopene supplementation to a level comparable to NT. Moreover, increasing dietary lycopene level suppressed serum concentrations of cholesterol and enhanced high-density lipoproteins levels in blood. In conclusion, lycopene supplementation alleviates adverse effects of cold stress on performance through modulating activity of antioxidant enzymes in broiler chickens.

Effects of Coated Trace Minerals and the Fat Source on Growth Performance, Antioxidant Status, and Meat Quality in Broiler Chickens.

Inorganic trace minerals may exacerbate lipid peroxidation, thereby impacting lipid metabolism. This study aimed to compare the effects of inorganic and coated trace minerals in diets with different fat sources, on the performance, slaughter characteristics, and antioxidant status of broiler chickens. A total of 576 21-day-old Abor Acres broiler birds were randomly divided into four dietary treatment groups in a 2 (non-coated and coated trace minerals)×2 (soybean oil and lard) factorial design. Each treatment was replicated 12 times (12 birds per replicate). The results showed that coated minerals significantly improved the average daily gain (ADG) in weight and the feed conversion ratio (P<0.01), increased serum iron, zinc, selenium, and thyroxine contents, increased the activities of glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, total antioxidant capacity, and lipoprotein lipase (P<0.05), and decreased the serum and muscle malondialdehyde (MDA) contents (P<0.01). The use of soybean oil as the fat source resulted in a high ADG in weight, a low F/G ratio, reduced serum MDA content, and drip loss of breast and leg muscles (P<0.05). In conclusion, the supplementation of coated trace minerals improved growth performance, antioxidant status, trace mineral retention within serum, and lipid metabolism. Additionally, soybean oil also improved the growth performance, antioxidant performance, and meat quality of broilers. The combination of coated trace minerals and soybean oil generated the best growth performance, antioxidant status, and meat quality characteristics.

Antioxidant Status of Broiler Chickens Fed Diets Supplemented with Vinification By-Products: A Valorization Approach.

Vinification by-products display great potential for utilization as feed additives rich in antioxidant compounds. Thus, the effect of dietary ground grape pomace (GGP), wine lees extract rich in yeast cell walls (WYC), and grape stem extracts (PE) on the relative expression of several genes involved in liver oxidative mechanisms and the oxidative status of the blood and breast muscle of broiler chickens was investigated. In total, 240 one-day-old as hatched chicks (Ross 308) were assigned to four treatments, with four replicate pens and 15 birds in each pen. Birds were fed either a basal diet (CON) or a basal diet supplemented with 25 g/kg GGP, or 2 g/kg WYC, or 1 g starch including 100 mg pure stem extract/kg (PE) for 42 days. The polyphenolic content of vinification by-products was determined using an LC-MS/MS library indicating as prevailing compounds procyanidin B1 and B2, gallic acid, caftaric acid, (+)-catechin, quercetin, and trans-resveratrol. Body weight and feed consumption were not significantly affected. The relative transcript level of GPX1 and SOD1 tended to increase in the liver of WYC-fed broilers, while NOX2 tended to decrease in the PE group. SOD activity in blood plasma was significantly increased in WYC and PE compared to the CON group. The total antioxidant capacity measured with FRAP assay showed significantly higher values in the breast muscle of PE-fed broilers, while the malondialdehyde concentration was significantly decreased in both WYC- and PE-fed broilers compared to the CON group. The exploitation of vinification by-products as feed additives appears to be a promising strategy to improve waste valorization and supply animals with bioactive molecules capable of improving animals’ oxidative status and products’ oxidative stability.