Antioxidant status and thigh meat quality of broiler chickens fed diet supplemented with α-tocopherolacetate, pomegranate pomace and pomegranate pomace extract

A Natural Feed Additive Phytobiotic, Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.), and the Health Status of Poultry

The addition of antibiotic growth promotors in poultry diets results in a development of resistant bacterial strains and accumulation of drug residues in the meat and eggs. The new trend in poultry industry is the dietary addition of natural feed additives including phytobiotics. Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is a natural cheap feed source that has been extensively used in the livestock production. In poultry production system, pomegranate by-products such as peel powder or extract, seed oil, or juice showed high nutritional values, several health benefits, and good economic profits. Pomegranate displays a growth promoting effect and an enhancement of carcass traits of broilers, along with an improvement of the egg production traits parameters. Moreover, dietary pomegranate by-products showed a potential antioxidant and antimicrobial effects on the treated birds. Modulation of both humeral and cell mediated immune response, hypo-lipidemia, as well as enhancement of liver functions have been proved following dietary treatment with different pomegranate by-products. Therefore, this review article was designed to present the different effects of dietary pomegranate by-products on the production indices of broilers and layers, the antioxidant, antimicrobial, and immune status, as well as the blood parameters.

Effects of Dietary Supplementation of Pomegranate Peel with Xylanase on Egg Quality and Antioxidant Parameters in Laying Hens

Pomegranate contains bioactive compounds in all its parts. In this study, two levels of pomegranate peel byproduct (PPB) with or without the inclusion of xylanase enzyme were used to supplement laying hens' diet, in a 2 × 2 full factorial design. A total of 48 Isa brown laying hens were fed the following experimental diets for 8 weeks: T1 (2.5% PPB); T2 (2.5% PPB and xylanase); T3 (5% PPB); T4 (5% PPB and xylanase). Eggs collected were analyzed for egg quality parameters. Moreover, egg yolks were analyzed for Malondialdehyde content (MDA), fatty acid profile and total phenolic content. The T2 eggs showed enhanced yolk coloration and greater yolk total phenolic content. The T3 and T4 egg yolks showed lower MDA levels compared with T1, T2. Overall, results have shown that (a) xylanase inclusion affected egg yolk coloration and total phenolic content when combined with 2.5% PPB dietary supplementation; (b) dietary supplementation of 5% PPB resulted in eggs with reduced MDA levels.

Effects of supplementation of pomegranate processing by-products and waste cooking oils as alternative feed resources in broiler nutrition

Agricultural residues can be used as alternative feed sources in industrial chicken production. The impacts of different levels of pomegranate peel and waste cooking oil as an agricultural residue on broilers' nutrition were investigated. Results showed that the replacement of 8% pomegranate peel in diets decreased the growth performance of broilers. Supplementing 8% pomegranate peel in diets reduced apparent nutrient digestibility. The highest level of waste oil inclusion in broiler diets indicated negative impacts on apparent zmetabolizable energy and crude fat apparent nutrients digestibility. Broilers fed the diet containing 4% pomegranate peel had a higher Lactobacillus population. The results showed that the Lactobacillus population was lower in broilers fed 8% pomegranate peel powder and 4% waste oil in diets. The inclusion of 8% pomegranate peel powder in diets showed lower villus height and crypt depth in the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. The inclusion of 4% pomegranate peel decreased the peroxide value (PV) of meat. Dietary inclusion of 4% waste oil raised the PV of meat. Alpha-tocopherol supplementation decreased the PV of meat. Finally, the results provide information that 4% of pomegranate peel and 4% waste oil could be used as an alternative feed ingredient in broiler diets without adverse effects.

Impact of Dietary Lavender Essential Oil on the Growth and Fatty Acid Profile of Breast Muscles, Antioxidant Activity, and Inflammatory Responses in Broiler Chickens

This study aimed to investigate the impact of dietary addition of lavender essential oil (Lavandula angustifolia L.) (LEO) on the growth performance, tissue histoarchitecture, and fatty acid profile in breast muscles, as well as blood biochemistry and immune expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines of broiler chickens. A total of 200 three-day-old broiler chickens (average body weight 101.3 ± 0.24 g) were assigned to a completely randomized design consisting of four dietary treatments (n = 50 per treatment, each replicate consisting of 10 birds) that included lavender essential oil at concentrations of 0 (control group), 200, 400, and 600 mg Kg−1 diet. The experiment lasted for 35 days. The results revealed that supplementation of lavender essential oil at 200, 400, or 600 mg/kg in broiler diets had no effect (p > 0.05) on the growth performance throughout the experimental periods (3−10, 11−23, and 24−35 days of age). According to the broken line regression model, the optimal level for dietary LEO addition was the 460 mg kg−1 diet based on the total body weight gain and feed conversion ratio results. The diets supplemented with lavender essential oil had no effect (p > 0.05) on the percentages of carcass yield or internal organs. Dietary addition of LEO significantly increased the percentages of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids PUFA (n-3), omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-6), and the n-3/n-6 ratio (p < 0.05) in the breast muscles of chickens in a level-dependent manner. The blood concentration of alanine aminotransferase was significantly increased in lavender essential oil at 600 mg kg−1 compared with other treatments. The dietary addition of LEO at 200, 400, and 600 mg kg−1 significantly reduced the malondialdehyde level. Still, they significantly increased the serum enzyme activities of total antioxidant capacity, catalase, superoxide dismutase, and the pro-inflammatory cytokine (interleukine-1 beta and interferon γ) compared with the unsupplemented group. The LEO-supplemented groups showed normal liver histomorphology as in the control group. However, the immunoexpression of the pro-inflammatory cytokine transforming growth factor β was significantly increased by increasing the level of LEO. It can be concluded that lavender essential oil can be included in broiler chicken diets up to 460 mg kg −1 with no positive effect on the bird’s growth. It can improve the antioxidant capacity and enrich the breast muscles with PUFA. An increased level of supplementation (600 mg kg−1) increased the inflammatory responses in broiler chickens.

The Impact of Herbal Additives for Poultry Feed on the Fatty Acid Profile of Meat

Researchers often found that herbal additives to chicken feed can favorably alter the fatty acid profile of the meat. The most desirable effects of diet modification comprise an increased content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and a reduced content of saturated fatty acids (SFA) in the breast and thigh muscles. A modified fatty acid profile contributes to improvement in the quality of poultry meat, which is reflected in its increased consumption. However, it may be problematic that PUFAs are oxidized easier than other lipids, which can have a negative impact on the sensory traits of meat. By contrast, herbs and herbal products contain antioxidants that can prevent the oxidation of unsaturated fatty acids and cholesterol present in animal-origin products and increase the antioxidant potential of the consumer’s body. This paper aims to review the influence of herbal additives for broiler chicken diets on the fatty acid profile of poultry meat. Special attention was paid to changes in the content of SFAs, MUFAs, and PUFAs, but also alterations in the omega-6:omega-3 ratio. The presented reference literature supports the statement that herbs and bioactive components of herbs added to chicken diets can improve the quality of broiler chicken meat by altering the content of fatty acids.

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.

Effect of dietary mannan oligosaccharides and fructo-oligosaccharides on physico-chemical indices, antioxidant and oxidative stability of broiler chicken meat

The objective of this present study was to investigate the potentiality of prebiotics (mannan oligosaccharides-MOS and fructo-oligosaccharides-FOS) in replacement of antibiotic growth promoter and their relationship with physico-chemical indices, antioxidant and oxidative stability and carcass traits of broiler chickens meat. Accordingly, 240 day-old broiler chicks of uniform body weight divided in 6 treatment groups with 5 replicate each (5 × 6 = 30) having 8 birds in each replicate. Six corn based dietary treatments were formulated viz. T₁ (control diet), T₂ (T₁ + Bacitracin methylene di-salicylate @ 0.002%), T₃ (T₁ + 0.1% MOS), T₄ (T₁ + 0.2% MOS), T₅ (T₁ + 0.1% FOS), and T₆ (T₁ + 0.2% FOS). Significant (p < 0.05) increase in cut up part yields (%) and reduction in cholesterol and fat content in T₄ (0.2% MOS) group. The water holding capacity (WHC) and extract release volume (ERV) were increase (p < 0.05) in 0.1 or 0.2% MOS supplemented group. DPPH (1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazy) was higher (p < 0.05) and lipid oxidation (free fatty acid and thio-barbituric acid reactive substances) was lower (p < 0.05) in T₄ group. The standard plate count (SPC), staphylococcus and coliform counts were decreased (p < 0.05) in T₃ or T₄ group. Thus, it can be concluded that mannan oligosaccharides (MOS) may be incorporated at 0.2% level in diet for improved physico-chemical indices, antioxidant and oxidative stability and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens meat and it may be suitable replacer of antibiotic growth promoter.

Supplementation of pomegranate processing waste and waste soybean cooking oil as an alternative feed resource with vitamin E in broiler nutrition: effects on productive performance, meat quality and meat fatty acid composition

This research aimed to determine the effect of dietary supplementation of pomegranate peels powder and waste soybean cooking oil on the performance and meat quality of male Ross 308 broiler chickens. Before start of the experiment, the metabolisable energy of pomegranate peels and other nutritive and chemical contents of pomegranate peels were measured. Also, peroxidation indices and fatty acids profiles of experimental oils were analysed. The experiment was designed as a 3 × 3 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments including i) pomegranate peels (0, 4 and 8%), ii) waste soybean cooking oil (0, 2 and 4%) and iii) vitamin E (0 and 200 mg/kg diet). Supplementation of 8% pomegranate peels significantly decreased growth performance of broiler chickens (p < 0.05). The supplementation of 4% waste cooking oil significantly reduced body weight gain during the grower and whole experimental period (p < 0.05). Pomegranate peels supplementation decreased peroxide value (PV) and thiobarbituric acid (TBA) and increased pH of meat (p < 0.05). Supplementation of 4% waste cooking oil increased PV and TBA and reduced crude protein, water holding capacity (WHC), and pH of meat (p < 0.05). Vitamin E supplementation significantly decreased TBA and increased WHC of meat (p < 0.05). Supplementation of pomegranate peels decreased saturated fatty acids (SFA) and increased polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) of meat (p < 0.05). Broilers fed diets with 4% waste cooking oil showed higher SFA and lower PUFA contents in meat (p < 0.05). So it can be concluded that 4% pomegranate peels could be used as an alternative feed ingredient and a source of antioxidants in broiler diets, and also 2% waste soybean cooking oil can be included as feed ingredient in broiler diets without adversely affecting performance.

Antioxidant Activity in Gilthead Seabream (Sparus aurata L.) Fed with Diet Supplemented with Moringa

Gilthead seabream is bred mainly in fish farms in the Mediterranean Sea. One important factor responsible for the deterioration of fish quality is lipid oxidation. Moringa oleifera leaves have been described as having high antioxidant content. This work investigates the effect of dietary supplementation with Moringa leaves on the antioxidant activity of seabream. Gilthead seabream specimens were divided into four groups, the control group (fed a commercial diet) and three other groups fed diets enriched with Moringa (5%, 10% and 15%). The antioxidant capacity was measured by assays of free radical scavenging (OH·, H₂O₂, lipoperoxyl and ABTS), Rancimat test and linoleic acid system in muscle and skin of gilthead seabream, commercial diet, enriched diet and Moringa. Finally, the polyphenol content of Moringa and the fatty acid composition of seabream fed diets with and without Moringa were determined. Results showed an increase in antioxidant activity in gilthead seabream fed with diets enriched with a higher percentage of Moringa; therefore, Moringa could be considered a functional ingredient in diets for fish bred in fish farms and. The antioxidant potential of Moringa leaves could be mainly attributed to the presence of polyphenolic compounds.

The Antioxidative Impact of Dietary Vinegar and Rocket Salad on the Productivity, Serum Oxidation System, and Duodenal Histology of Chickens

The purpose of the study was to investigate the ameliorative effect of dietary rocket salad and apple cider vinegar on the oxidative stress (OS) status of broilers. Specifically, 720 Ross 308 chicks were divided into six groups: negative and positive controls (NC and PC with and without additives, Vi1 and V12 experimental groups fed with diets mixed with 5 and 10 mL of vinegar/kg, and Ro1 and Ro2 groups fed with diets mixed with 2 and 3 g of rocket salad/kg, respectively). The experimental groups Vi1 and Vi2 were fed with feed mixture moisturized with 5 and 10 mL of vinegar/kg, and Ro1 and Ro2 were fed with 2 and 3 g of rocket salad/kg, respectively. The birds' productivity, oxidative serum parameters, and morphometric indices of the gastrointestinal tract were registered at 6 weeks of rearing. The vinegar or rocket salad additive had powerful potentials to significantly suppress (p ≤ 0.05) OS through improving the birds' survivability, body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, and carcass yield. The highest villus height and villus height/crypt depth ratio of the duodenum were achieved by Vi2, Ro1-2, and NC (p ≤ 0.05). The villus surface area and muscular layer thickness were smallest in the PC, while they did not differ significantly in other groups (p > 0.05). Similar relationships were found in serum superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, hydroperoxide, and malondialdehyde; however, higher doses of both additives were more effective. It seems that liquid vinegar and rocket salad could have beneficial influences on the antioxidant status of birds.

Immunostimulatory Potential of Fruits and Their Extracts in Poultry

The impact of antibiotic use for growth promotion in livestock and poultry production on the rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in bacteria led to the ban of this practice in the European Union in 2006 and a restriction of antimicrobial use (AMU) in animal agriculture in Canada and the United States of America. There is a high risk of infectious diseases such as necrotic enteritis due to Clostridium perfringens, and colibacillosis due to avian pathogenic Escherichia coli in antimicrobial-free broiler chickens. Thus, efficient and cost-effective methods for reducing AMU, maintaining good poultry health and reducing public health risks (food safety) are urgently needed for poultry production. Several alternative agents, including plant-derived polyphenolic compounds, have been investigated for their potential to prevent and control diseases through increasing poultry immunity. Many studies in humans reported that plant flavonoids could modulate the immune system by decreasing production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, T-cell activation, and proliferation. Fruits, especially berries, are excellent sources of flavonoids while being rich in nutrients and other functionally important molecules (vitamins and minerals). Thus, fruit byproducts or wastes could be important resources for value-added applications in poultry production. In the context of the circular economy and waste reduction, this review summarizes observed effects of fruit wastes/extracts on the general health and the immunity of poultry.

Effect of Sodium Selenite, Selenium Yeast, and Bacterial Enriched Protein on Chicken Egg Yolk Color, Antioxidant Profiles, and Oxidative Stability

The chicken egg is one of nature's flawlessly preserved biological products, recognized as an excellent source of nutrients for humans. Selenium (Se) is an essential micro-element that plays a key role in biological processes. Organic selenium can be produced biologically by the microbial reduction of inorganic Se (sodium selenite). Therefore, the possibility of integrating Se enriched bacteria as a supplement in poultry feed can provide an interesting source of organic Se, thereby offering health-related advantages to humans. In this study, bacterial selenoproteins from Stenotrophomonas maltophilia was used as a dietary supplement with other Se sources in Lohman brown Classic laying hens to study the egg yolk color, egg yolk and breast antioxidant profile, oxidative stability, and storage effect for fresh and stored egg yolk at 4 ± 2 °C for 14-days. The results showed that dietary Se supplementation significantly (p < 0.05) improved egg yolk color, the antioxidant profile of egg yolk, and breast meat (total carotenoid and phenol content). When the Se treated groups were compared to control groups, there was a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in total cholesterol in fresh and stored egg yolk and breast muscle. In hens that were fed ADS18-Se, the primary oxidation products (MDA) concentrations in the eggs, breast, and thigh muscle, and plasma were significantly (p < 0.05) lower. However, the MDA content increased (p < 0.05) with an extended storage time in egg yolk. In comparison to inorganic Se and basal diets, egg yolk from hens fed organic Se remained fresh for two weeks. The egg yolk color, antioxidant profile, and oxidative status of egg yolk and tissue improve with dietary Se organic supplementation (ADS18 > Se-Yeast). The source of supplemented organic Se is critical for egg enrichment and antioxidant properties. As a result, ''functional eggs'' enriched with organic Se becomes possible to produce.

Effect of raw and fermented pomegranate pomace on performance, antioxidant activity, intestinal microbiota and morphology in broiler chickens

The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of raw (PP) and fermented pomegranate pomace (FP) on performance, antioxidant activity, caecal microbiota and ileal morphology in broiler chickens. A total of 175 male broiler chicks were allocated to five treatment groups with five replicates and seven birds per replicate in a completely randomised design. Dietary treatments included a soy-corn based diet (control), diets supplemented with PP at 5 (5PP) and 10 g/kg (10PP), and diets supplemented with FP at 5 (5FP) and 10 g/kg (10FP). Dietary PP and FP did not change the body weight and feed conversion ratio. Moreover, dietary PP and FP did not alter the serum glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase levels but decreased malondialdehyde (p < 0.05) in breast meat. Caecal Clostridium perfringens count was decreased in broiler chickens of groups 10PP, 5FP and 10FP (p < 0.05). However, PP and FP had detrimental effects on the ileum morphology of broiler chicks. The villus height was decreased in the 10PP, 5FP and 10FP groups compared with the control group (p < 0.01). Crypt depth was higher in the 5PP and 10FP groups than control and 10PP groups (p < 0.01). The villus height to crypt depth ratio was also decreased in 5PP, 5FP, and 10FP groups (p < 0.01). These results suggest that PP and FP have the potential to be used in broiler diets as antioxidant and antimicrobial agents. However, detailed studies should be conducted to investigate the underlying reasons for the detrimental effects on ileal morphology.

Dietary Polyphenol Supplementation in Food Producing Animals: Effects on the Quality of Derived Products

Simple Summary

Polyphenols are secondary plant metabolites mainly known for their antioxidant properties. Their use as feed additives in the nutrition of farm animals is becoming increasingly popular as they are particularly exposed to oxidative stress which is reflected in a lipoperoxidation of the final product. For this reason, it is essential to preserve the quality and the safety of meat and milk products by attenuating oxidative deterioration. Moreover, polyphenols present the advantage of being more acceptable to the consumers than synthetic counterparts, as they are considered to be “non-toxic”. The present review presents an overview of several studies focused on the dietary supplementation of polyphenols to monogastric and ruminants, as well as their direct addition to meat and dairy products, with particular emphasis on their antioxidant effects on the final product.

Abstract

The growing interest in producing healthier animal products with a higher ratio of polyunsaturated to saturated fatty acids, is associated with an increase in lipoperoxidation. For this reason, it is essential to attenuate oxidative deterioration in the derived products. Natural antioxidants such as polyphenols represent a good candidate in this respect. The first part of the review highlights the occurrence, bioavailability, and the role of polyphenols in food-producing animals that, especially in intensive systems, are exposed to stressful situations in which oxidation plays a crucial role. The second part offers an overview of the effects of polyphenols either supplemented to the diet of monogastric and ruminants or added directly to meat and dairy products on the physicochemical and sensorial properties of the product. From this review emerges that polyphenols play an important, though not always clear, role in the quality of meat and meat products, milk and dairy products. It cannot be ruled out that different compounds or amounts of polyphenols may lead to different results. However, the inclusion of agro-industrial by-products rich in polyphenols, in animal feed, represents an innovative and alternative source of antioxidants as well as being useful in reducing environmental and economic impact.

Effect of supplementing pomegranate peel infusion on body growth, feed efficiency, biochemical metabolites and antioxidant status of broiler chicken

Pomegranate fruit peel is a great source of natural polyphenols. The objective of the present study was to evaluate efficacy of pomegranate peel infusion (PPI) on growth characteristics, feed efficiency, blood metabolites and antioxidant profile of broiler chicken. A total of 200 broiler chickens were randomly assigned to 4 treatments with 5 replicates of 10 birds. Pomegranate peel infusion was supplemented in drinking water to 3 treatment groups in a graded dose. At the end of the trial (42 days), 2 broiler chickens from each pen were sampled for serum and liver tissue. Results revealed that low-dose (50 mL/L) PPI influenced (L: P < 0.001) final body weight, daily body weight gain, and feed conversion ratio. Quadratic effect (Q: P < 0.001) was found in overall body weight, average daily gain in body weight, and average daily feed intake. It was also observed that PPI had significant (L: P < 0.05) hypo-lipidaemic effect. PPI supplementation reduced (L: P < 0.01) lipid peroxidation in all supplemented birds. Reduced glutathione and catalase in the liver tissue was also increased linearly (L: P < 0.05) by PPI supplementation, suggesting that natural polyphenols present in the PPI can stimulate antioxidant defence system. Thus, it could be concluded that low-dose supplementation of pomegranate peel infusion could be of great benefits in broiler chickens as a source of natural antioxidants.

Effects of Supplementing Drinking Water with Mixed Herb Extract or Outdoor Access on Meat Quality Characteristics in Broiler Chickens

The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of supplementing drinking water with an extract of mixed herbs or housing with outdoor access on carcass traits, levels of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, GPx), reduced glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), and selected quality parameters of meat from broiler chickens. One-day-old Ross 308 broiler chickens were allocated to three groups: group I (control), in which birds were kept in compartments on litter and had no outdoor access; group II, in which birds were kept in compartments on litter without outdoor access and were supplemented with an extract of mixed herbs (50% Melissa officinalis L. and 50% Urtica dioica L.) at 2 ml/l of drinking water; and group III, in which birds were raised in compartments on litter and had outdoor access from day 1 of rearing. Throughout the rearing period, the broilers had free access to feed and water. On day 42, 20 birds were selected from each group, slaughtered and subjected to simplified slaughter analysis. Their breast and leg muscles were measured for pH, colour, water holding capacity (WHC) and drip loss, and analysed for the content of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, GPx), reduced glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA) and fatty acids. The outdoor access reduced dressing percentage, both with (P≤0.01) and without giblets (P≤0.05). The supplementation of drinking water with the mixed herb extract (2 ml/l) improved the muscle antioxidant status (higher SOD, CAT and GSH content) and reduced lipid peroxidation in the leg muscles of the broilers (lower MDA level). In general, the supplementation of the diet with the mixture of herbs in the applied form and concentration, as well as the outdoor access had no effect on the other examined quality parameters of broiler meat.

Green Tea and Pomegranate Extract Administered During Critical Moments of the Production Cycle Improves Blood Antiradical Activity and Alters Cecal Microbial Ecology of Broiler Chickens

Simple Summary

Since the European Union’s (EU) antibiotic ban in 2006, interest in natural feed additives has largely increased. Natural feed additives are used to prevent diseases and promote growth in chickens, supporting animal health and modulating the development of the gut microflora during stressful situations. In the present study, a bioactive compound from plants belonging to the class of phytobiotics was assessed for its effects on production performance, antiradical activity and gut microflora in broiler chickens. The obtained results show how the tested compound is able to exert beneficial effects on the antiradical activity and gut microbial ecology of birds, even though the chickens’ performance was unaffected.

Abstract

Phytobiotics are usually tested in feed and throughout the production cycle. However, it could be beneficial to evaluate their effects when administered only during critical moments, such as changes in feeding phases. The aim of the trial was to investigate the effect of a commercial plant extract (PE; IQV-10-P01, InQpharm Animal Health, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia) on growth performance, blood antiradical activity and cecal microbiome when administered in drinking water to broiler chickens during the post-hatching phase and at each change of diet. In the experiment, 480 1-day-old male broiler chicks were assigned to two groups in a 50-day trial. Broilers received drinking water (C) or drinking water plus PE (T) at a rate of 2 mL/L on days 0 to 4, 10–11 and 20–21. PE did not affect performance and water intake, while total antiradical activity was improved (p < 0.05). A greater abundance of lactic acid bacteria (false discovery rate (FDR) < 0.05) was found in the T group and the result was confirmed at a lower taxonomic level with higher Lactobacillaceae abundance (FDR < 0.05). Our findings suggest that PE administration during critical moments of the production cycle of broiler chickens may exert beneficial effects at a systemic level and on gut microbial ecology.