| Journal: |
Pakistan Veterinary Journal
University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan
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| Abstract: |
This study aimed to examine the effects of dietary supplementation with different
concentrations of a ginger and garlic essential oils mixture (1:1) on growth
performance, carcass characteristics, serum biochemical indices, lipid profile,
hematological parameters, antioxidant status, immune response, caecal microbiota,
histopathological changes in lymphoid and hepatic tissues, and intestinal
histomorphometry of broiler chickens under heat stress. A total of 360 one-day-old
Arbor Acre broiler chicks were randomly assigned to six treatment groups (n = 60
birds per group), each divided into five replicates (12 chicks per replicate). Birds
received basal diets supplemented with ginger and garlic oils (1:1) at levels of 0 (T1;
negative control without heat stress), (T2, control under heat stress), 0.5 (T3), 1.0 (T
4), 1.5 (T5), and 2.0mL/kg diet (T6) throughout the experiment. Results showed
significant improvements in growth performance, with T5 achieving the highest final
body weight (2220.83 g) and the most favorable feed conversion ratio (FCR = 1.73).
Carcass yield and relative organ weights increased in a dose-dependent manner.
Hematological analysis revealed no significant differences in RBC count and
hemoglobin levels, but a significant reduction in WBC count was observed. Serum
biochemical parameters indicated improvements in liver (ALT, AST) and kidney
(creatinine, uric acid) function. Lipid profile assessment showed a significant
decrease in total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, and VLDL, along with an increase
in HDL. The immune response was enhanced, demonstrated by significant increases
in IgM and IgG levels, while IgA remained unchanged. The heat stress-related genes
HSP 70 and HFP 90 were upregulated to cope with higher temperatures, whereas
TNF-α and IL-1β were downregulated. Additionally, antioxidant status improved
significantly, with elevated SOD, CAT, TAC, GSH, and GPX levels and reduced
MDA levels. Caecal microbiota analysis revealed a notable reduction in total bacterial
and yeast and mold counts, as well as in E. coli and Salmonella populations, alongside
an increase in lactic acid bacteria. Histological examination of the intestine, liver, and
spleen revealed dose-dependent improvements in tissue architecture and intestinal
morphometry, with T5 exhibiting the most pronounced effects. In conclusion, the
dietary inclusion of 2. 2.0mL/kg of ginger and garlic essential oils mixture (1:1)
significantly improved growth performance, health status, immune response, and gut health in broiler chickens without adverse effects, supporting its use as a natural feed
additive in poultry production.
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