Antioxidant Status Of Broilers Research Articles

Evaluation of the effect of vegetable coumarin and chlortetracycline on the growth indicators and antioxidant status of broilers.

Evaluation of the effect of vegetable coumarin and chlortetracycline on the growth indicators and antioxidant status of broilers.

Effect of dietary supplemental vitamin C and betaine on the growth performance, humoral immunity, immune organ index, and antioxidant status of broilers under heat stress.

Heat stress (HS) has become one of the important factors affecting the development of animal husbandry. The purpose of this experiment was to investigate whether vitamin C (Vc) and betaine (Bet) improve immune organ index and humoral immunity by enhancing the antioxidant status of immune organs, thus protecting broilers from HS-induced injuries. A total of 200 28-day-old Ross 308 broilers were randomly assigned into 5 groups (n = 4 replicates/group, 10 broilers/replicate) which were reared at different ambient temperatures (24 ± 1°C or 33 ± 1°C). The control group fed basal diet, while high-temperature groups were either fed a basal diet (HS group) or a basal diet supplemented with 250-mg Vc/kg diet (HSVc group), 1000-mg Bet/kg diet (HSBet group), and 250-mg Vc plus 1000 mg Bet/kg diet (HSVcBet group), respectively. On day 42, growth performance, humoral immune function, immune organ index, and antioxidant capacity were measured. HS reduced the productive performance of broilers, antibody potency against the Newcastle disease virus (NDV) and sheep red blood cells (SRBC), indices of thymus and bursa, and antioxidant capacity of immune organs. Adding Vc alone or in combination with Bet improved performance, NDV and SRBC antibody potency, thymus and bursa indices, and antioxidant capacity of immune organs in heat-stressed broilers, with the most effective being combination. In summary, HS reduces the antioxidant capacity and immune organ development status of broiler immune organs. Vc and/or Bet can improve the development of immune organs and restore part of the production performance by regulating the antioxidant status of immune organs, among which the combined addition of Vc and Bet has the best effect.

Comparative analysis of various sources of selenium on the growth performance and antioxidant status in broilers under heat stress.

The supplementation of Selenium-enriched probiotics is effective in reducing oxidative stress and maintaining meat quality stability in broiler chicken especially under heat stress. An experimental study was conducted to perform Comparative analysis of Selenium yeast with inorganic Se in broilers under heat stress. A total of 120 broilers chicks of one day were assigned to 4 groups each consisting 30 chicks fed on same basal diet but different selenium sources. The basal diet of group D1 was not supplemented with Se source (Negative control), group D2 basal diet was supplemented with inorganic selenium (Sodium selenite 0.22mg/Kg starter phase and 0.15mg/Kg finisher phase), group D3 basal diet was supplemented with commercially available organic selenium (Seleno-methionine 0.22mg/Kg starter phase and 0.15mg/Kg finisher phase) and group D4 basal diet was supplemented with self-developed organic selenium (Se-enriched yeast 0.22mg/Kg starter phase and 0.15mg/Kg finisher phase). The performance parameters i.e. feed intake (FI), live body weight (BW) and FCR were not significantly (p>0.05) effected by selenium supplementation in the starter phase but were significantly (p<0.05) effected in the finisher phase. Selenium supplementation significantly (p<0.05) effected serum Se level in different supplemented groups. Higher serum Se value (58.20±0.06) was recorded in D4 group. Similarly significantly lower selenium value was recorded for D4 and higher was recorded for D1 (11.36±0.08). However lower serum Paraoxonase (PON) value was recorded for D4 (13.24±0.01) and higher for D1 (13.33±0.03). Comparatively self-developed Se enriched yeast increased the Se accumulation and improved antioxidant system. Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) was found higher in D4 (12.333±0.03) followed by D3, D2 and D1 respectively. Whereas superoxide dismutase (SOD) was significantly lower (p<0.05) in D4 (0.1437±0.003) followed by D3 (0.1457±0.002). Selenium supplementation increased the bird's survival rate. Birds fed on Se enriched yeast showed higher Se deposition and better antioxidant capacity as compared to other sources of selenium. Se-enriched yeast displayed an improved result on Se deposition in tissues, and oxidative capacity, meat tenderness and immune response level as compared to other sources of selenium.

Comparison of nano-capsulated thyme essential oils on intestinal microbial population and anti-oxidation status of broilers

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of non and nano-capsulated thyme essential oils with saturated and unsaturated lipids (tallow and canola oil) and two levels of diet crude protein (standard and low than standard) on intestinal microbial population and anti-oxidation status of broilers. In this study, 384 Ross-308 broiler chickens in a factorial engagement of 2×2×2 (2 medicinal plant essential oils, two sources of vegetable oils, and 2 levels of diet crude protein) were used in a completely randomized design with 8 treatments, 4 replicates, and 12 bird in each replicate for 42 days. Experimental periods included starter (1-10 days), grower (11-24 days), and finisher (25-42 days). Canola oil significantly reduced the intestinal coliforms population. In contrast, tallow increased them (P&lt;0.05), a similar effect was observed with thyme forms, so the lowest coliform population blogged to the nano-capsulated form of thyme. In contrast, the highest coliform population resulted in non-capsulated thyme essential oil (P&lt;0.05). In an interaction between thyme essential oil form and diet crude protein level, the lowest coliform population was observed with diet contained nano-capsulated thyme essential oil and low level of diet crude protein (P&lt;0.05). Regarding antioxidant status, reducing the diet crude protein increased MDA and GPX (P&lt;0.05). In an interaction between diet crude protein and thyme form, a diet with low crude protein and capsulated thyme increased the level of SOD (P&lt;0.05). In general, results of the current experiment indicated that in Ross-308, broiler chickens using capsulated thyme essential oil with canola oil and low crude protein improves intestine microbial population and antioxidant status of broilers.

Effects of In Ovo Injection of α-Ketoglutaric Acid on Hatchability, Growth, Plasma Metabolites, and Antioxidant Status of Broilers.

Recently, α-ketoglutaric acid (AKG) has gained importance as an antioxidant. Its dietary supplementation in animals and humans has proved beneficial. Moreover, an extensive group of studies on in ovo feeding has proved that it produces better day-old chicks and overall performance. Combining the two, we hypothesized that in ovo feeding of AKG could improve the antioxidant status in addition to chick quality and broiler performance. At 17.5 days of incubation, eggs were divided into one of five groups: eggs that received (i) no injection (U-CON), (ii) distilled water (DDW) only (0 AKG), (iii) 0.5% AKG dissolved in DDW (0.5 AKG), (iv) 1.0% AKG dissolved in DDW (1.0 AKG), or (v) 1.5% AKG dissolved in DDW (1.5 AKG). Chicks were raised until 21 days of age. Biological samples were collected on day 0 and day 21. Body weight (p = 0.020), average daily gain (p = 0.025), and average daily feed intake (p = 0.036) were found to quadratically increase with the amount of AKG during the grower phase. At day 0, the absolute (p = 0.040) and relative weight (p = 0.035) of the liver increased linearly with an increasing amount of AKG. The 0.5 AKG group had significantly higher plasma protein (p = 0.025), absolute and relative heart indices at day 0 (p = 0.006). An in ovo feeding of AKG improved the plasma antioxidant capacity of chicks at day 0 as compared to 0 AKG. AKG effect was seen on the plasma antioxidant balance, which increased linearly with the increasing dose of in ovo AKG. Furthermore, 1.0 AKG and 1.5 AKG showed a significant (p = 0.002) upregulation of the hepatic mRNA expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (NRF2) in comparison to 0 AKG. The results imply that without negatively affecting hatchability performance, in ovo feeding of AKG has beneficial effects on the antioxidant status of broilers.

An evaluation of graded levels of beta-sitosterol supplementation on growth performance, antioxidant status, and intestinal permeability-related parameters and morphology in broiler chickens at an early age

This study was designed to examine the effects of different levels of beta-sitosterol (BS) supplementation on growth performance, serum biochemical indices, redox status, and intestinal permeability-related parameters and morphology of young broilers. Two hundred and forty male Arbor Acres broiler chicks were allocated into 5 groups of 6 replicates with 8 birds each, and fed a basal diet supplemented with 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100 mg/kg BS for 21-d, respectively. The BS quadratically decreased feed conversion ratio during 1 to 14 d and 1 to 21 d, with its effect being more prominent at 25 or 50 mg/kg (P < 0.05). The BS linearly and quadratically reduced 14-d plasma diamine oxidase activity and D-lactate level, and this effect was more pronounced when its supplemental level was 25 or 50 mg/kg (P < 0.05). The BS linearly increased duodenal villus height (VH) and quadratically increased jejunal VH and ratio of VH and crypt depth (CD) at 14 d, and these effects in 25 mg/kg group were more remarkable (P < 0.05). Similarly, BS linearly or quadratically increased VH and ratio of VH and CD, but decreased CD in the jejunum and ileum at 21 d, with these effects being more pronounced at 50 mg/kg (P < 0.05). The BS supplementation especially at 50 or 75 mg/kg linearly or quadratically reduced 14-d serum and 21-d hepatic malondialdehyde concentration, and increased serum glutathione peroxidase and catalase activities at 14 and 21 d (P < 0.05). Moreover, the BS administration linearly and/or quadratically increased glutathione peroxidase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase activities and glutathione level, and reduced malondialdehyde accumulation in the intestinal mucosa at 14 and/or 21 d, and these consequences were more significant in 50 to 100 mg/kg BS-supplemented groups (P < 0.05). The results demonstrated that BS administration could improve growth performance, intestinal barrier function, and antioxidant status of broilers at an early age, with these effects being more pronounced at a level of 50 mg/kg.

Effects of Copper nanoparticle supplementation on growth, intestinal morphology and antioxidant status in broilers exposed to cyclic cold stress

The purpose of this research was to determine the effects of copper nanoparticles (CuNP) supplementation on growth performance, intestinalmorphology, intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs), goblet cell (GC) count, stress hormones and oxidant/antioxidant balance of broilers exposedto cold stress. One day old broiler chickens (n=400) were allocated into five different groups and were raised under standard conditionsuntil the 21st day. The five groups were designated as thermo-neutral (TN reared in 26°C), cold stress (CS raised under 13°C±2°C for8 hours/day from d 22- d 35), CS5 (CS+ 5mg/kg diet CuNP), CS10 (CS+10mg/kg diet CuNP) and CS15 (CS+15mg/kg diet CuNP). On35th day, 16 birds per group were selected randomly for blood collection and were then humanely sacrificed for tissue sample collection.CS group had a reduced (P&lt;0.05) body weight (BW), villus surface area (VSA), villus height to crypt depth ratio (VH: CD) but had ahigher (P&lt;0.05) feed conversion ratio (FCR), goblet cell count, serum corticosterone and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels than the TNgroup. Inclusion of CuNP in diet linearly increased (P&lt;0.05) BW, VH, VW, CD, VSA and GC count in jejunum and ileum. Conversely,MDA and corticosterone hormone levels and FCR, decreased linearly (P&lt;0.05) with CuNP supplementation. In conclusion, during coldstress conditions, CuNP is a valuable feed additive in broilers with positive effects on growth performance and intestinal morphology

Implications of supplemental microbial phytase and essential oils (Thymus vulgaris L. and Mentha pulegium L.) on carcass traits, meat organoleptic and antioxidant status in broilers

An experiment was carried out to study the influence of herbal essential oils (Thymus vulgaris L and Mentha pulegium L.) and microbial phytase on carcass traits, meat organoleptic and antioxidant status in broilers. Three hundred and eighty-four male broilers (Ross -308) were used in factorial arrangements with eight treatments includes (0 and 200 mg/kg thyme essential oil), (0 and 200 mg/kg Mentha essential oil), (0 and 500 IU/kg microbial phytase) and 4 replicates (12 chicks per replicate) according to a CRD and in three experimental periods include: starter 1 to 10 days, grower 11 to 24 days and finisher 25 to 42 days. Regarding the effects of experimental treatments on carcass traits, the use of thyme and mentha essential oils increased the percentage of abdominal fat (P&lt;0.05). The use of thyme essential oil significantly increased the levels of blood superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) (P&lt;0.05). Regarding the effects of experimental treatments on meat organoleptic, the use of thyme essential oil increased the overall acceptance of chicken meat (P&lt;0.05). The use of essential oils, although it leads to an increase in antioxidant parameters, also leads to an improvement in meat quality.

Trans-anethole Ameliorates Intestinal Injury Through Activation of Nrf2 Signaling Pathway in Subclinical Necrotic Enteritis-Induced Broilers.

This study was conducted to investigate the alleviative effects of trans-anethole (TA) on intestinal oxidative stress by enhancing the activities of intestinal antioxidant enzymes and activating the Nrf2 signaling pathway in subclinical necrotic enteritis (NE) infected broilers. A total of 192 1-day-old male Arbor Acres broilers were randomly allocated into three treatment groups: (1) control (CON); (2) subclinical NE challenge (NE); (3) NE challenge + 600 mg/kg TA (NE+TA600). Subclinical NE was induced by oral administration of live coccidiosis vaccine containing 2 × 104 oocysts at 10 days of age and 2 ml of Clostridium perfringens type A solution (3 × 108 CFU/ml) daily from days 14 to 19. The results showed that NE infection led to a severe decline (p < 0.05) in the final body weight (BW) and average daily gain (ADG), but an increase (p < 0.05) in feed/gain (F/G) of broilers at day 10–21 and day 1–21 compared with the control group. TA administration improved (p < 0.05) the growth performance of NE birds. The intestinal villus height (VH) and villus height/crypt depth (VH/CD) were reduced (p < 0.05) by NE challenge as compared with those of the control group, which was elevated by TA administration. Subclinical NE infection decreased (p < 0.05) serum activities of total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), and jejunal and ileal glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX), and T-SOD activity as well as T-AOC in the jejunum, while TA interventions positively elevated that (p < 0.05). Administration of TA protected the intestine against oxidative stress through up-regulation of intestinal nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway as compared with the NE group (p < 0.05). In addition, dietary inclusion of TA elevated (p < 0.05) mRNA abundance of c-mesenchymal-epithelial transition factor (c-Met), jejunal epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) in the jejunum and ileum of birds after subclinical NE challenge. In conclusion, 600 mg/kg of TA may be a promising tool to prevent and control subclinical NE by increasing intestinal antioxidant status in broilers.

Possibility of using glucose oxidase in the diet to improve selected indicators of blood antioxidant defense, digestibility and growth performance of broiler chicken

We conducted this experiment to establish a consistent result of dietary glucose oxidase (GOX) supplementation in broilers’ growth performance, nutrient digestibility, gas emission, caecum bacterial count, and antoxidant status. A total of 792 broilers of 42.38 ± 0.72 g average body weight (BW) at one-day old were fractionated into four treatment groups (18 birds/pen; 11 pens/treatment) named as 0%, Basal diet; 0.01%, basal diet + 100 mg/kg GOX; 0.02%, basal diet + 200 mg/kg GOX; 0.03%, basal diet + 300 mg/kg GOX. For growth performance, this 35 days’ experimental period was divided into three phases (d 1 to 7, d 7 to 21, d 22 to 35, overall). For the final phase, nutrient digestibility, gas emission, caecum bacterial count, and blood parameters were measured. GOX supplementation (0.02%, 0.03%) showed increased body weight gain (BWG) and reduced feed conversion ratio (FCR) during days 22 to 35 and in overall period. At the same time, linear increase of BWG and linear decrease of FCR were observed. Increasing doses of GOX showed linear improvement in dry matter digestibility and a tendency for a gradual increase in energy digestibility. On day 7, GOX supplementation (0.02%, 0.03%) reduced drip loss in meat with a gradual decrease. Blood antioxidant parameters of glutathione peroxidase (GSSG) and glutathione (GSH) were linearly increased by rising doses of GOX where 0.03% GOX had the highest value. In short, GOX supplementation brought improvements in digestibility and antioxidant capacity, which helped to increase body weight gain in broilers. Highlights Glucose oxidase enzyme supplementation could benefit growth performance in broilers Dietary addition of glucose oxidase could increase apparent nutrient digestibility in broilers As a health benefit, antioxidant status of broilers were improved with glucose oxidase supplementation

First Time Identification of Selenoneine in Seabirds and Its Potential Role in Mercury Detoxification.

Birds are principally exposed to selenium (Se) through their diet. In long-lived and top predator seabirds, such as the giant petrel, extremely high concentrations of Se are found. Selenium speciation in biota has aroused great interest in recent years; however, there is a lack of information about the chemical form of Se in (sea)birds. The majority of publications focus on the growth performance and antioxidant status in broilers in relation to Se dietary supplementation. The present work combines elemental and molecular mass spectrometry for the characterization of Se species in wild (sea)birds. A set of eight giant petrels (Macronectes sp.) with a broad age range from the Southern Ocean were studied. Selenoneine, a Se-analogue of ergothioneine, was identified for the first time in wild avian species. This novel Se-compound, previously reported in fish, constitutes the major Se species in the water-soluble fraction of all of the internal tissues and blood samples analyzed. The levels of selenoneine found in giant petrels are the highest reported in animal tissues until now, supporting the trophic transfer in the marine food web. The characterization of selenoneine in the brain, representing between 78 and 88% of the total Se, suggests a crucial role in the nervous system. The dramatic decrease of selenoneine (from 68 to 3%) with an increase of Hg concentrations in the liver strongly supports the hypothesis of its key role in Hg detoxification.

Effects of dietary oligosaccharides on serum biochemical index, intestinal morphology, and antioxidant status in broilers.

In order to determine the effect of different oligosaccharides on growth performance, intestinal health, and antioxidant status of broilers, 240 1-day-old XiangHuang broilers were randomly distributed to 4 treatments with 6 replicates each. Birds were fed corn-soybean-based diets (CON), and birds in xylo-oligosaccharides (XOS), fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS), and iso-maltooligosaccharide (IMO) groups were given the basal diet supplemented with 200 mg/kg XOS, FOS, and IMO, respectively. Result showed that average daily gain (ADG) during the whole 5weeks in FOS group was greater than that in control group (p < 0.05). Both breast and thigh muscle percentages were higher for birds fed XOS versus CON (p < 0.05). Oligosaccharides supplementation increased jejunal villus height compared with control group (p < 0.05). Malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration in breast muscle was lower for birds fed diet containing FOS versus CON (p < 0.05). Activities of total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) in serum and thigh muscle were higher in IMO than in control group (p < 0.05). Serum T-SOD and breast muscle's glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity was higher in XOS compared with control group (p < 0.05). Conclusion, dietary oligosaccharides such as XOS, FOS, and IMO could improve intestinal health and antioxidant ability of muscle without affect growth performance in broilers.

Grape pomace in equine nutrition: effect on antioxidant status

Grape pomace in equine nutrition: effect on antioxidant status

Effects of In Ovo Feeding of γ-Aminobutyric Acid on Growth Performances, Plasma Metabolites, and Antioxidant Status in Broilers Exposed to Cyclic Heat Stress

γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is an amino acid used for mitigating the detrimental effects of heat stress in broilers. In addition, a growing body of literature suggests that the in ovo feeding of various nutrients can enhance the post-hatch thermotolerance of broilers. Therefore, we hypothesized that the supplementation of GABA during incubation might have positive effects in heat-stressed broilers. Chicks hatched from eggs were divided into three groups described as follows: chicks hatched from eggs incubated at normal temperature and then raised under thermoneutral temperature (CON); chicks hatched from eggs incubated at normal temperature but raised under cyclic heat stress (HS) (CON+HS); and chicks hatched from eggs injected with 60 mg of GABA dissolved in 0.6 mL of distilled water but raised under cyclic HS (G10+HS). The HS was applied between 28 and 31 days of age with ambient temperatures raised from 22 ± 1 °C to 33 ± 1 °C for 6 h daily. Compared to the CON group, average daily weight gain was significantly lower in the CON+HS but not in the G10+HS group. Feed intake was significantly decreased in both the CON+HS and G10+HS groups. Compared to the CON group, plasma corticosterone levels were significantly increased in the CON+HS group, but not the G10+HS group. Hepatic mRNA levels of the acetyl-CoA carboxylase gene (ACC) were significantly reduced in the G10+HS group compared to the CON group. In addition, positive Pearson correlation coefficients were found in mRNA levels between fatty acid synthase (FAS) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase 1 (NOX1) (r = 0.55, p &lt; 0.05), NOX1 and NOX4 (r = 0.65, p &lt; 0.01), and catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) (r = 0.62, p &lt; 0.05). Taken together, the results suggest that this study can serve as a basis for future work focusing on the in ovo feeding of GABA as a technique to combat heat stress in broilers.

Effects of hydroalcoholic extract of boerhavia elegans (choisy) and vitamin E on performance and the antioxidant status of broilers in diets containing oxidized oil

این تحقیق به ­منظور مقایسه اثرات سطوح عصاره هیدروالکلی گیاه سهرمرد و ویتامین E در جیره های غذایی حاوی روغن اکسید شده بر عملکرد، میزان فعالیت آنزیم ­های آنتی ­اکسیدانی و کیفیت گوشت جوجه ­های گوشتی صورت پذیرفت. آزمایش با استفاده از 480 قطعه جوجه گوشتی نر یک روزه سویه راس 308، در قالب آزمایش فاکتوریل 2×3×2 شامل دو نوع روغن (سالم و 2 درصد روغن اکسید شده آفتابگردان)، دو سطح آلفاتوکوفرول­استات (صفر و 200 میلی‌گرم/کیلوگرم در جیره) و سه سطح عصاره سهرمرد (0، 100 و 200 میلی­ گرم/کیلوگرم) با 12 تیمار دارای 4 تکرار10 قطعه جوجه ­ای­، انجام شد. شاخص ­های عملکردی در کل دوره اندازه ­گیری شد. در پایان دوره، از هر تکرار یک قطعه جوجه ذبح و خونگیری شد و سپس یک نمونه گوشت همگن از عضله ران چپ جهت بررسی وضعیت پایداری گوشت از طریق بررسی میزان مالون دی آلدئید (MDA)، جدا شد. از نمونه خون برای میزان فعالیت سرمی آنزیم ­های سوپر اکسید دیسموتاز (SOD)، گلوتاتیون پراکسیداز (GPX) و چربی ­های سرم استفاده شد. نتایج نشان داد که جیره ­های آزمایشی تأثیر معنی­ داری بر میانگین مصرف خوراک روزانه، افزایش وزن روزانه و ضریب تبدیل جوجه­ ها دارند (0/05>P). غلظت آنزیم ­ها SOD و GPX در جوجه­ های تغذیه شده با روغن اکسیده کاهش معنی­ داری نشان دادند. افزودن عصاره گیاه سهرمرد به جیره، سبب افزایش میزان SOD سرم خون گردید (0/05>P). جیره­ های حاوی عصاره و ویتامینE به طور هم زمان، کم ترین میزان MDA را در گوشت نشان دادند. میزان تری‌گلیسرید و کلسترول سرم تحت تأثیر جیره­ های حاوی عصاره سهر­مرد، کاهش یافت. نتایج نشان داد، که افزودن سطح 100 میلی ­گرم در کیلوگرم عصاره سهر­مرد به همراه 200 میلی­ گرم آلفاتوکوفرول­استات سبب تقویت سیستم دفاع آنتی اکسیدانی و بهبود عملکرد در جوجه‌های گوشتی در شرایط تنش اکسیداتیو می‌شود.

Immune response and antioxidant status of broilers as influenced by oxidized vegetable oil and pomegranate peel.

The experiment was designed as a 3 × 3 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments, including (i) pomegranate peel (zero, 4%, and 8 percent), (ii) oxidized soybean oil (zero, 2%, and 4 percent), and (iii) alpha-tocopherol (zero and 200 mg/kg). Supplementation of 8% pomegranate peel in diets significantly decreased the growth performance of broiler chickens. The supplementation of 4% oxidized oil in diets significantly reduced body weight gain and Feed intake whole experimental period (p < 0.05). The results showed that supplementation of 4% pomegranate peel in the diet was associated with low aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase, and malondialdehyde (MDA). However, 4% pomegranate peel increased the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities. The supplemental 4% oxidized oil increased the serum AST, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and MDA concentrations. TAC, SOD, and Catalase (CAT) activities were affected by 4% oxidized oil and alpha-tocopherol. The use of oxidized oil and vitamin E decreased MDA concentration. The serum glucose and globulin concentrations were significantly lower in the 8% pomegranate peel. The results showed that supplementation with 4% pomegranate peel in diets reduced serum low-density lipoprotein (LDL). The inclusion of 4% oxidized oil in diets reduced serum glucose and increased the blood lipid concentration such as triglyceride, cholesterol and LDL. Vitamin E supplementation reduced the serum cholesterol and LDL concentrations. The use of 8% pomegranate peel reduced red blood cell (RBC), hemoglobin, and packed cell value (PCV). The results indicated that supplementation with 8% pomegranate peel and 4% oxidized oil in diets decreased the immunoglobulin concentration in broilers. In addition, it was found that the inclusion of 4% pomegranate peel in diets resulted in higher IgG, IgM and total immunoglobulin. Pomegranate peel supplementation significantly decreased meat MDA concentration. Supplementation of 4% oxidized oil increased MDA of meat (p < 0.05). Vitamin E supplementation (200 mg/kg) significantly decreased MDA of meat (p < 0.05). Consequently, the results of this experiment showed that supplementation with 4% pomegranate peel had beneficial effects on broiler chickens. It was also found that feeding 2% oxidized oil in diets had no adverse effect on broilers.

Effects of yeast hydrolysate on growth performance, serum parameters, carcass traits, meat quality and antioxidant status of broiler chickens.

Yeast hydrolysate (YH) has multiple salutary biological activities. Nevertheless, the application of YH in broiler production is limited. This study was conducted to evaluate the protective effects of YH derived from Saccharomyces cerevisiae by exploring growth performance, serum parameters, organs relative weight, carcass traits, meat quality and antioxidant status of broilers. Supplementing YH linearly and quadratically improved (P < 0.05) body weight gain and gain-to-feed ratio compared to that in the control group. Triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and total cholesterol in serum, the decline in pH and cooking loss of breast muscle, and malonaldehyde concentration in serum and liver were decreased linearly and/or quadratically by YH (P < 0.05), whereas high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in serum, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities in serum, GSH-Px activity in liver, glutathione content in serum and liver, eviscerated yield rate and chest muscle yield, and the relative weight of spleen and liver were linearly and/or quadratically increased (P < 0.05). Moreover, YH enhanced the mRNA levels of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2, heme oxygennase-1 (HO-1), GSH-Px1 and SOD1 (linear and/or quadratic, P < 0.05). Dietary YH beneficially affected growth performance, serum parameters, organ relative weight, carcass traits, meat quality and antioxidant status in broilers, indicating its potential application as a promising feed additive in broiler production. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effects of Resveratrol on Growth Performance, Intestinal Development, and Antioxidant Status of Broilers under Heat Stress.

Simple SummaryBroilers have unique physiological characteristics, no sweat glands and full of feathers, which makes it difficult to dissipate heat in high-temperature environments and is prone to heat stress (HS). HS has strong adverse effects on the meat production, growth performance, intestinal morphology, mortality and welfare of broilers, which can be alleviated by nutrition regulation. Resveratrol has been found to reduce the damage of HS on meat quality, immune and inflammatory response of broilers. However, there are few reports on the effects of resveratrol on the intestinal development and antioxidant capacity of broilers under HS. We demonstrated that resveratrol could improve the intestinal development and growth performance of broilers under HS. Besides, these findings suggest that resveratrol may offer an effective nutritional strategy to improve intestinal antioxidant function by regulating the expression of critical factors in the Nrf2 signaling pathway.The study investigated resveratrol’s effect on growth performance, intestinal development, and antioxidant capacity of broilers subjected to heat stress (HS). A total of 162 21-day-old male AA broilers were randomly divided into 3 treatment groups with 6 replicates of 9 birds each. The 3 treatment groups were as follows: the control (CON), in which broilers were housed at 22 ± 1 °C for 24 h day−1, and the HS and HS + resveratrol (400 mg/kg) groups, in which broilers were housed at 33 ± 1 °C for 10 h a day from 8:00 to 18:00 and 22 ± 1 °C for rest of the time. Results indicated that birds in the HS group exhibited lower (p < 0.05) final body weight (BW) and average daily gain (ADG) compared with birds in the CON group. HS birds also had lower (p < 0.05) relative jejunum weight, relative ileum and jejunum length, jejunal villus height, and villus height to crypt depth ratios than the CON group. The activities of glutathione peroxidase (GPX), glutathione S-transferase (GST), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and the mRNA levels of NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), SOD1, and GPX were also lower (p < 0.05) in the HS than CON group. The HS group had higher (p < 0.05) protein carbonyl (PC) contents and Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) mRNA levels. Compared with HS group, the HS + resveratrol group exhibited higher (p < 0.05) BW and ADG, relative jejunum weight, relative length of ileum, jejunal villus height, activities of GPX and GST, and mRNA levels of Nrf2 and SOD1, but they had lower (p < 0.05) PC content and Keap1 mRNA levels. In conclusion, resveratrol can improve the intestinal development and antioxidant function of broilers under HS, and therefore improve growth performance. The mechanism by which resveratrol enhances the intestinal antioxidant capacity is mediated by Nrf2 signaling pathway.

THE PROTECTIVE ROLE OF GINGER (ZINGIBER OFFICINALE) ON ALLEVIATION OF HEAT STRESS IN BROILER CHICKEN

Heat stress is one of the most crucial issues in broiler production, particularly in tropical regions. Ginger can serve as an antioxidant. Being part of the nutritional interventions, treatment using ginger has been documented to alleviate the negative impact of heat stress on broiler chickens, in terms of production, physiology, immunology, and antioxidant status of broilers. The present review elucidates the alleviation of heat stress in broiler chicken using ginger based on the most recent literature in order to provide complete information on the impact of ginger powder (GP) on haematology, biochemistry and thyroid hormones of broilers under heat stress (HS) (34 ± 2° C) and thermoneutral temperature (TN) (22 ± 4 °C). An 80 of one-day-old broiler chicks (cobb-500), 20 birds in each group either control (basal diet) or 0.75% ginger. Chronic HS at 42 d of age resulted in significant decrease in PCV, RBCs, total protein, Albumin, serum T3 and T4, whereas increased H/L, triglycerides, cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, uric acid, AST, ALP, ALT, DBIL, TBIL, and creatinine significantly. Supplementation of GP significantly increased PCV, RBCs, total protein, albumin while significant decrease in AST, uric acid and improvements in lipid profile parameters. Findings of the research study indicated that ginger has improved birds health.

Effect of rearing temperature on physiological measures and antioxidant status of broiler chickens fed stevia (Stevia rebaudiana B.) leaf meal and exogenous xylanase

• Rearing birds at high ambient temperature reduced feed intake but did not influence weight gain and feed efficiency. • Dietary xylanase increased hepatic vitamin E and stevia increased the hepatic carotenoid content in birds. • Incorporating stevia and xylanase into diets for broilers reared at high ambient temperatures reduces oxidative stress. The global climate is warming. Heat stress, as a result of high ambient temperatures, may negatively impact physiology and reduce growth performance of poultry. Stevia is a perennial shrub indigenous to South America where its phytochemical extracts have been used as a natural sweetener for hundreds of years. Its physiological effects, including antioxidant properties, on poultry are well known, however, the translation of these to improved growth performance is variable. Combining stevia with a commercial xylanase to enhance feed digestibility could therefore form a feeding strategy to partially mitigate the negative impact of rearing birds under high ambient temperatures. The study aimed to compare the growth performance, dietary energy and nutrient availability, oxidative status, gastrointestinal tract development, and caecal short chain fatty acid concentration; at two ambient rearing temperatures, when feeding diets containing stevia and exogenous xylanase, alone or in combination, to broiler chickens. Study design/Methods : Day-old chicks (n = 105) were reared in a single floor pen following breeder recommendations for the first 7 days, whereupon birds (n = 96) were randomly allocated to one of four experimental diets (negative control, stevia at 20 g/kg diet, xylanase at 100 FXU/kg diet, stevia at 20 g/kg diet + xylanase at 100 FXU/kg diet), in one of two environmental conditions (high ambient temperature at 32 ± 2 °C or regular rearing at breeder recommendations), in a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial design. Rearing birds at high ambient temperature reduced daily feed intake (p = 0.02). Birds fed stevia and reared at regular temperature had similar weight gain to birds reared in high ambient temperatures, although birds on the control diet housed at regular temperatures had the greatest weight gain (P < 0.05). Exogenous xylanase improved overall dietary metabolisable energy and improved nitrogen retention in the high ambient temperature group only (P < 0.05). Dietary stevia reduced caecal digesta butyric acid: acetic acid at regular temperature, but xylanase increased the butyric acid concentration at high ambient temperature (P < 0.05). Dietary stevia increased (P < 0.001) the hepatic carotenoid concentrations and xylanase improved (P < 0.05) hepatic vitamin E concentrations. Rearing temperature is an important environmental factor in broiler production. Exogenous xylanase supplementation can increase feed efficiency and dietary metabolisable energy. Feeding xylanase or stevia improves hepatic antioxidant status in broilers by increasing hepatic vitamin E and carotenoids, respectively, suggesting that either may be effective in counteracting oxidative stress.