Stress In Broiler Chickens Research Articles

Immunomodulatory and Growth Promoting Effects of Basil (Ocimum basilicum) and Ascorbic Acid in Heat Stressed Broiler Chickens

Immunomodulatory and Growth Promoting Effects of Basil (Ocimum basilicum) and Ascorbic Acid in Heat Stressed Broiler Chickens

Effects of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge on antioxidant capability of broiler chickens

This study was designed to investigate the effects of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge on antioxidant capability (superoxide dismutase, SOD; catalase, CAT; glutathione peroxidase, GPX; and reduced glutathione to oxidized glutathione, GSH/GSSG) and induce the model of immunological stress in broiler chickens. Day-old, yellowfeathered broilers (140) were randomly assigned to 2 treatments with 7 replicates of 10 chicks each. At day 21, 23, 25 and 27, chicks were injected with LPS and blood samples were collected after 24 h. Chicks (2) from each replicate were killed, and liver and jejunum samples were collected. The activities and gene expression of SOD, CAT, and GPX, were determined. The results showed that LPS challenge reduced serum SOD at day 22 and 26, serum CAT at day 24, 26, and 28, and serum GPX at day 26. LPS challenge decreased liver SOD, liver GPX, liver GSH/GSSG ratio at day 26 and 28. LPS challenge also decreased jejunum SOD at day 26, and jejunum CAT, GPX and GSH/GSSG ratio at day 26 and 28.The expressions of liver CAT, liver GPX1, and jejunum SOD1 were down regulated at day 26. The expressions of jejunum CAT, and jejunum GPX1 were down regulated at day 26. Meanwhile, LPS reduced the expression of liver SOD1 at day 22 and the expression of jejunum GPX1 at day 28. In conclusion, three times of LPS challenge could result in serious oxidative damage and induce immune stress model.

Effects of a blend of essential oils and overcrowding stress on the growth performance, meat quality and heat shock protein gene expression of broilers

ABSTRACTOvercrowding stress is common in the poultry industry. Chickens exposed to long-term stressful situations are characterised by welfare impairment and immunosuppression.1. The present study evaluated the effects of a blend of essential oils (EOB; cinnamaldehyde and thymol) and stocking density on the performance, gut microflora, meat quality and physiological stress markers of broilers.2. One-day-old Ross 308 male broiler chickens (n = 360) were allocated to 4 experimental groups from d 22 to 42. Each treatment had 6 replicates of 15 chicks. Two groups were subjected to a high stocking density (HSD) of 20 birds/m2 and the other two groups were kept at a low stocking density (LSD) of 10 birds/m2.3. The results of this study indicate that overcrowding stress decreased growth performance parameters, blood immunoglobulin (Ig)G and heterophil:lymphocyte (H:L) ratio but increased IgA and IgM levels. HSD reduced water-loss rate and pH decline at 45 min post mortem in the breast muscle.4. Essential oils supplementation elevated H:L ratio but decreased breast meat redness and pH24.5. Significant interactions between EOB and stocking density were observed for corticosterone (CS) level and mRNA levels of heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) in brain and heart. Although HSD increased CS and HSP70 when compared to LSD, the effects of the former were inconsistent with EOB supplemented diets.6. In conclusion, dietary EOB supplementation could improve some of the biomarkers associated with overcrowding stress in broiler chickens.

Rosemary Reduces Heat Stress by Inducing CRYAB and HSP70 Expression in Broiler Chickens.

Heat stress negatively affects poultry production and animal health. In response, animals invoke a heat stress response by inducing heat shock proteins (HSPs). Scientists are actively seeking natural products that can enhance the heat shock response. The present study aimed at assessing the effects of a purified rosemary extract comprising antioxidant compounds on the heat shock response and HSP expression profile in broiler chickens. The response of broilers to HS in the presence of purified rosemary extract was assessed using an in vivo myocardial cell model. Pathological lesions of heart tissue were examined microscopically. The levels and activities of enzymes associated with heart damage and oxidative damage were detected. Immunohistochemical staining was performed for HSPs in myocardial cells. The results showed that lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase (CK), and myocardial CK (CKMB) levels were reduced by the purified rosemary extract before and during heat stress. Heat stress alone increased CK and CKMB levels. The levels of oxidative damage-associated enzymes were compared between the rosemary + heat stress and heat stress-alone groups. The results indicated that in terms of these enzymes, the purified rosemary extract induced a more antioxidative state. Pathological examinations showed that heat stress caused myocardial fiber fracture, karyopyknosis, and degeneration. The addition of purified rosemary extract ameliorated these lesions to some degree, preserving more of the basic structure. Heat stress decreased the cellular levels of crystallin alpha B (CRYAB) and HSP70. The addition of the purified rosemary extract significantly increased the levels of CRYAB and HSP70 during heat stress (p < 0.0001). Immunohistochemistry showed that after rosemary treatment, CRYAB and HSP70 showed more intense staining compared with the no heat stress control group. In the rosemary + heat group, after 10 hours of heat stress, the staining intensity of these two proteins remained higher than in the heat stress group. Thus, purified rosemary extract could induce high levels of HSP70 and CRYAB in chicken hearts before and during heat stress. Purified rosemary extract could be used to alleviate heat stress in broiler chickens.

Effect of Morinda citrifolia (Noni)-Enriched Diet on Hepatic Heat Shock Protein and Lipid Metabolism-Related Genes in Heat Stressed Broiler Chickens.

Heat stress (HS) has been reported to alter fat deposition in broilers, however the underlying molecular mechanisms are not well-defined. The objectives of the current study were, therefore: (1) to determine the effects of acute (2 h) and chronic (3 weeks) HS on the expression of key molecular signatures involved in hepatic lipogenic and lipolytic programs, and (2) to assess if diet supplementation with dried Noni medicinal plant (0.2% of the diet) modulates these effects. Broilers (480 males, 1 d) were randomly assigned to 12 environmental chambers, subjected to two environmental conditions (heat stress, HS, 35°C vs. thermoneutral condition, TN, 24°C) and fed two diets (control vs. Noni) in a 2 × 2 factorial design. Feed intake and body weights were recorded, and blood and liver samples were collected at 2 h and 3 weeks post-heat exposure. HS depressed feed intake, reduced body weight, and up regulated the hepatic expression of heat shock protein HSP60, HSP70, HSP90 as well as key lipogenic proteins (fatty acid synthase, FASN; acetyl co-A carboxylase alpha, ACCα and ATP citrate lyase, ACLY). HS down regulated the hepatic expression of lipoprotein lipase (LPL) and hepatic triacylglycerol lipase (LIPC), but up-regulated ATGL. Although it did not affect growth performance, Noni supplementation regulated the hepatic expression of lipogenic proteins in a time- and gene-specific manner. Prior to HS, Noni increased ACLY and FASN in the acute and chronic experimental conditions, respectively. During acute HS, Noni increased ACCα, but reduced FASN and ACLY expression. Under chronic HS, Noni up regulated ACCα and FASN but it down regulated ACLY. In vitro studies, using chicken hepatocyte cell lines, showed that HS down-regulated the expression of ACCα, FASN, and ACLY. Treatment with quercetin, one bioactive ingredient in Noni, up-regulated the expression of ACCα, FASN, and ACLY under TN conditions, but it appeared to down-regulate ACCα and increase ACLY levels under HS exposure. In conclusion, our findings indicate that HS induces hepatic lipogenesis in chickens and this effect is probably mediated via HSPs. The modulation of hepatic HSP expression suggest also that Noni might be involved in modulating the stress response in chicken liver.

Acute heat stress in broiler chickens and its impact on serum biochemical and electrolyte parameters

Biochemical and electrolyte parameters play an assistant role for the faster and realistic evaluation of multiple organ dysfunction. The present study was designed to investigate the changes in serum biochemical and electrolyte parameters of Arbor Acres (AA) broiler chickens during acute heat stress. AA broiler chickens (N=120) were randomly allocated to four groups: control group at 22 ± 1 °C and heat stress group at 2 h, 5h and 10h, respectively (HS2, HS5, and HS10) at 38±1°C. All groups of serum electrolyte and biochemical parameters, including serum concentrations of sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium, total protein, albumin, total bilirubin (TBIL), direct bilirubin (DBIL), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, amylase, cholesterol, alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatine kinase (CK), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were measured. These results indicated that heat stress have significant (p less than 0.05) effect on serum biochemical and electrolyte parameters of broiler chickens, which assist preliminary evaluation of the damage degree of corresponding organs.

Circadian rhythms of biomarkers of oxidative stress and their characteristics in broiler chickens reared under natural light/dark cycle

For the purpose of studying circadian rhythms of biomarkers of oxidative stress in broiler chickens maintained under natural photoperiod, we collected blood from the wing veins of 10 matured broiler chickens every three hours for a period of 24 h. The blood samples were analyzed for superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and malondialdehyde (MDA). The fitting in of single cosinor procedure showed that CAT and MDA exhibited clear circadian rhythms, while SOD did not. The amplitude of daily rhythms for the parameters was small, while the acrophases were all restricted to the light phase of the light:dark cycle. In conclusion, to our knowledge, this is the first time investigation of the circadian rhythms of antioxidants in broilers chickens, reared under natural photoperiod in the tropics. The result may be exploited for a more precise targeting of reactive oxygen species, thereby offering better protection for the cells to combat oxidative stress.

Effects of Chromium (III) Picolinate and Chromium (III) Picolinate Nanoparticles Supplementation on Growth Performance, Organs Weight and Immune Function in Cyclic Heat Stressed Broiler Chickens

Effects of Chromium (III) Picolinate and Chromium (III) Picolinate Nanoparticles Supplementation on Growth Performance, Organs Weight and Immune Function in Cyclic Heat Stressed Broiler Chickens

Effects of Chromium (III) Picolinate and Chromium (III) Picolinate Nanoparticles Supplementation on Growth Performance, Organs Weight and Immune Function in Cyclic Heat Stressed Broiler Chickens

Effects of Chromium (III) Picolinate and Chromium (III) Picolinate Nanoparticles Supplementation on Growth Performance, Organs Weight and Immune Function in Cyclic Heat Stressed Broiler Chickens

The Effects of Conjugated Linoleic Acid and Berberine Supplementation on Markers of Oxidative Stress in Broiler Chickens

Reactive oxidative species (ROS) are oxygen base molecules that are leaked from the electron transport chain during mitochondrial cellular respiration. They are kept in balance by endogenous and exogenous antioxidants, which may include conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and a plant root extract called berberine. A redox shift towards oxidants causes a state called oxidative stress, which is detrimental if prolonged. A ten week study examined the effect CLA and berberine supplementation on markers of oxidative stress in broiler birds. Broilers (n=60) were divided into six groups; the diet of group four to six included allopurinol (25mg/kg body weight) which induced an oxidative stress state. Pen 1(P1) served as the control, P2 CLA oil (50% substitution), P3 berberine supplementation (20g/kg feed), P4 allopurinol alone, P5 CLA oil + allopurinol and P6 berberine + allopurinol. Body weight, plasma uric acid as a marker of oxidative stress, blood glucose, lipid peroxidation via TBARs assay of serum, and relative gene expression of five endogenous liver antioxidants were measured during the course of the study. The addition of allopurinol to the diet induced an oxidative stress state when compared to the baseline groups as observed by a significant reduction in plasma uric acid. In P5 and P6 treatment we observed on average a 10 fold increase in the relative mRNA expression of superoxide dismutase 2 and 3 as well as glutathione 3 and 7. Notably, CLA increased the expression of uncoupling protein 34 fold compared to control while the addition of allopurinol blocked these changes; in contrast there was a slight increase in the berberine+allopurinol treatment. No significant changes were measured in blood glucose and TBARS. Despite the increase in mRNA expression of the antioxidants genes, the result of the uric acids assay suggest that at the dosages administered CLA and berberine were not effective in reversing the oxidative stress induced by allopurinol.Support or Funding InformationWVU Hatch

A Study on Chlorpyrifos Induced Oxidative Stress in Broiler Chickens

A Study on Chlorpyrifos Induced Oxidative Stress in Broiler Chickens

Aspirin upregulates αB-Crystallin to protect the myocardium against heat stress in broiler chickens.

We established in vivo and in vitro models to investigate the role of αB-Crystallin (CryAB) and assess the ability of aspirin (ASA) to protect the myocardium during prolonged heat stress. Thirty-day-old chickens were divided into three groups (n = 90): heat stress (HS, 40±1 °C); ASA(−)HS(+), 1 mg/kg ASA orally 2 h before heat stress; and ASA(+)HS(−), pretreated with aspirin, no heat stress (25 °C). Hearts were excised after 0, 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 10, 15 and 24 h. Heat stress increased body temperature, though the ASA(−)HS(+) group had significantly higher temperatures than the ASA(+)HS(+) group at all time points. Compared to ASA(+)HS(+), the ASA(−)HS(+) group displayed increased sensitivity to heat stress. Pathological analysis revealed the ASA (+)HS(+) myocardium showed less severe changes (narrowed, chaotic fibers; fewer necrotic cells) than the ASA(−)HS(+) group (bleeding and extensive cell death). In vitro, ASA-pretreatment significantly increased primary chicken myocardial cell survival during heat stress. ELISAs indicated ASA induced CryAB in vivo to protect against heat stress-induced myocardial damage, but ASA did not induce CryAB in primary chicken myocardial cells. The mechanisms by which ASA induces the expression of CryAB in vivo and protects the myocardium during heat stress merit further research.

Plasma histomorphométrie corticostérone et glande surrénale de chaleur a souligné des poulets de chair données électrolytes supplémentaires ou vitamine C

The effect of oral electrolytes or vitamin C (VC) on plasma corticosterone (PC) and adrenal gland (AG) histomorphology of heat stressed broiler chickens was evaluated in this study. A total of 200 one day-old Arbor Acre broiler chickens were allotted to five treatments in a completely randomized design. Each treatment comprised four replicates of ten chickens per replicate. Treatment 1 (T1) was the control with water without any supplement while treatments 2 (T2), 3 (T3), 4 (T4) and 5 (T5) had their water supplemented with 0.5 % ammonium chloride, sodium bicarbonate, calcium chloride and 300 ppm VC, respectively. The average temperature and humidity during the experimental period ranged from 30.90 oC to 36.73 oC and 58.48 % to 89.24 % respectively. No significant variation (p>0.05) was observed in PC values among treatments at week 4. However, PC (ng/mL) values of 6.1±1.3 (control), 7.4±2.1 (NH4Cl), 5.4±0.8 (NaHCO3), 15.1±5.91 (CaCl2) and 6.4±2.4 (VC) recorded at week 7 significantly differed (p<0.05). Birds on VC supplementation had increased medullary cells (0.59/µm3 x 10-6 ± 0.12) and lowered interrenal cells (0.36/µm3 x 10-6 ± 0.18) compared to birds on other treatments. Histological changes observed in the AG of birds on control and electrolyte treatment groups revealed evidence of stress at the cellular level while a relatively normal cell appearance was observed in VC group. In conclusion, the reduction in the PC values of the ammonium chloride and sodium bicarbonate groups was similar to the observations from the control group. However, ascorbic acid maintained corticosterone concentration and prevented from the hyperplasia of interrenal cells in heat stressed birds.

Relieving effect of Artemisia argyi aqueous extract on immune stress in broilers.

This experiment aimed to investigate the relieving action of Artemisia argyi aqueous extract (AAE) on immune stress in broiler chickens. A 2×2 factorial design was used to test the effect of 2 dietary treatments (adding 0 or 1000mg/kg AAE) and 2 immune stress treatments (injecting saline or lipopolysaccharide (LPS)). A total of 96 one-day-old Arbor Acres (AA) broilers were randomly divided into four treatment groups with six replicates, four birds in each replicate. Broilers in Treatment groups 1 and 2 were fed with the basal diet, and those in Treatment groups 3 and 4 were fed with the experimental diet supplemented with 1000mg/kg AAE. On days 14, 16, 18 and 20, broilers in both Treatments 1 and 3 were injected intra-abdominally with LPS solution at the dose of 500μg LPS per kg BW with the LPS dissolved in sterile saline at a concentration of 100μg/ml, and those in Treatments 2 and 4 were injected intra-abdominally with equal amount of sterile 0.9% saline. Blood samples were collected on days 21 and 28. The results showed that dietary supplementation of AAE prevented reductions in average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) of broilers caused by LPS on d 15-21. On day 21, the injection of LPS increased serum adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and corticosterone (CORT); meanwhile, feeding AAE reduced the rise of CORT caused by LPS. Immune parameters such as interleukin-1 (IL-1), interleukin-2 (IL-2), interleukin-6 (IL-6), immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin A (IgA) were also improved by LPS, but the content of IL-2 and IgG in broilers fed with AAE diet was significantly lower than that of broilers fed with control diet. All the data suggested that diets supplemented with AAE could relieve the immune stress response of broilers.

Effect of bee pollen and propolis (bee glue) on growth performance and biomarkers of heat stress in broiler chickens reared under high ambient temperature

Effect of bee pollen and propolis (bee glue) on growth performance and biomarkers of heat stress in broiler chickens reared under high ambient temperature

Organic trace mineral supplementation enhances local and systemic innate immune responses and modulates oxidative stress in broiler chickens

The effect of organic trace mineral supplementation on performance, intestinal morphology, immune organ weights (bursa of Fabricius and spleen), expression of innate immune response related genes, blood heterophils/lymphocytes ratio, chemical metabolic panel, natural antibodies (IgG), and oxidative stress of broiler chickens was studied. A total of 1,080 day-old male broilers were assigned to 1 of 3 dietary treatments, which included basal diet with Monensin (control), control diet supplemented with bacitracin methylene disalicylate (BMD), and BMD diet supplemented with organic trace minerals (OTM). No difference in feed conversion ratio was observed among treatments; ileum histomorphological analysis showed a lower crypt depth, higher villi height/crypt depth ratio, and lower villi width in the OTM treatment compared to control. Furthermore, OTM treatment resulted in higher uric acid and lower plasma malondehaldehyde (MDA), indicating lower oxidative stress. Gene expression analysis showed that OTM treatment resulted in up-regulations of TLR2 bin the ileum, and TLR2b, TLR4, and IL-12p35 in the bursa of Fabricius, and down-regulation of TLR2b and TLR4 in the cecal tonsils. In the spleen, OTM treatment resulted in up-regulation of IL-10. In conclusion, OTM supplementation to broiler diets may have beneficial effects on intestinal development, immune system status, and survival by improving ileum histomorphological parameters, modulation of Toll-like receptors and anti-inflammatory cytokines, and decreasing level of MDA, which in conjunction could enhance health status.

A study of the employment of melatonin supplementation and darkness regime on reducing the negative effects of acute heat stress and mortality in broiler chickens

Background: Heat stress is one of the most important environmental stressors challenging poultry production worldwide. Understanding and controlling environmental stressors is crucial for successful poultry production. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of melatonin supplementation and darkness regime on reducing the negative effects of heat stress in broiler chickens. METHODS: A total of 400 broiler chickens (Arian) were obtained and subjected to four different groups. The control chickens were grown in normal conditions without receiving any treatment. The positive control birds were grown similar to the control but exposed to an acute heat stress for 6 h/d from days 35 to 40. The dark group chickens were reared under a dark schedule and exposed to heat stress. The birds of the fourth group were reared similar to the positive control but received 40 ppm melatonin in the diet from days 30 to 40 of age. Dead birds were autopsied. The weekly growth performance of chickens was determined and blood samples were taken for hormonal analysis. RESULTS: The number of dead birds due to heat stress was significantly decreased in chickens subjected to the dark program and/or those which received melatonin in the diet compared with those of positive control chickens. Such differences were accompanied with the significantly lower levels of plasma T3, T3/T4 and corticosterone in these groups of chickens. Additionally, plasma thiobarbituric acid reacting substances level was significantly higher in positive control broilers compared to their counterparts. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate a reduction of metabolic rate and heat production in dark regime and melatonin supplementation that can reduce the side effects of heat stress and, therefore, reduce the mortality rate.

Evaluation of Carvacrol in Ameliorating Aflatoxin induced Changes with Reference to Growth and Oxidative Stress in Broiler Chickens

A study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of supplementation of carvacrol (CL), a phytochemical, in ameliorating changes in growth performance and oxidative stress induced by aflatoxin B1 in male broiler chicken fed with maize-soy based diets. The feeding trial of five week duration was conducted with 120 chicks which were divided into 5 dietary treatments with 3 replicates having 8 chicks in each following a completely randomized design. The dietary treatments consisted of: basal diet without any supplement (G1), basal diet supplemented with 1.0% CL (G2), diet contaminated with 1.0 ppm toxin (G3), diet contaminated with 1.0 ppm toxin and supplemented with 1.0% CL (G4), and diet contaminated with 1.0 ppm toxin and supplemented with 0.5% each of CL and HSCAS (G5). The growth performance and FCR of broiler chicken supplemented with CL was poor than birds fed basal diet and AFB1 contaminated feed. The weight of liver in AFB1 group of birds showed an increase while in CL supplemented groups it was comparatively low. Activity of serum enzymes ALT, AST were observed to be high and activity of the oxidative stress marker enzymes CAT, SOD and GSR low in AFB1 group birds. A reverse trend in activity of these enzymes was obtained in CL and binder supplemented groups which was not significant in case of GSR. CL supplemented group of birds recorded higher TAC, protein and glucose and lower MDA, TC and triglyceride compared to AFB1 group birds. The severity and degree of the liver lesions obtained in microscopic observation in CL supplemented birds was far less compared to livers of birds fed aflatoxin contaminated feed. It can be concluded that CL is effective in ameliorating aflatoxin induced changes with regard to oxidative stress in broiler chickens but had no positive impact on growth performance.

The association of Hsp90 expression induced by aspirin with anti-stress damage in chicken myocardial cells.

The protective effect of aspirin during exposure to heat stress in broiler chickens was investigated. We assayed pathological damage, expression and distribution of Hsp90 protein and hsp90 mRNA expression in chicken heart tissues after oral administration of aspirin following exposure to high temperature for varying times. Heat stress induced increases in plasma aspartate aminotransferase, creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase activities while causing severe heart damage, which was characterized by granular and vacuolar degeneration, nuclear shrinkage and even myocardium fragmentation in cardiac muscle fibers. After aspirin administration, myocardial cells showed fewer pathological lesions than broilers treated with heat alone. A high positive Hsp90 signal was always detected in the nuclei of myocardial cells from broilers treated with aspirin, while in myocardial cells treated with heat alone, Hsp90 in the nuclei decreased, as did that in the cytoplasm. Aspirin induced rapid and significant synthesis of Hsp90 before and at the initial phase of heat stress, and significant expression of hsp90 mRNA was stimulated throughout the experiment when compared with cells exposed to heat stress alone. Thus, specific pre-induction of Hsp90 in cardiovascular tissue was useful for resisting heat stress damage because it produced stable damage-related enzymes and fewer pathologic changes.

Effects of Chromium (III) Picolinate and Chromium (III) Picolinate Nanoparticles Supplementation on Growth Performance, Organs Weight and Immune Function in Cyclic Heat Stressed Broiler Chickens

Effects of Chromium (III) Picolinate and Chromium (III) Picolinate Nanoparticles Supplementation on Growth Performance, Organs Weight and Immune Function in Cyclic Heat Stressed Broiler Chickens