Fine-Tuning Low-Protein Diets through Vitamin E Supplementation to Avoid Ascites in Broiler Chickens

The present study investigates the effects of Vitamin E (VE) supplement on pulmonary hypertensive response of broilers fed a low-protein diet in a ۴۲-day trial. A total of ۱۸۰ male broiler chicks (Ross ۳۰۸) were used in a completely randomized design. Treatments included a Normal Protein Diet (NPD) served as control, a Low-Protein Diet (LPD) with ۳۰ g kg-۱ of crude protein lower than NPD, and a LPD supplemented with VE (۱۰۰ mg kg-۱). Analyzed protein content of NDP and LPD was ۲۲۷ and ۱۹۹ g kg-۱ in the starter stage and ۱۹۸ and ۱۶۹ g kg-۱ in the grower stage. Growth performance, blood and carcass variables and Lead II of the electrocardiogram (ECG) were recorded. Feed conversion ratio was not significantly changed by treatments. The relative weights of liver, heart, and the right to Total Ventricular weight ratio (RV:TV) as well as the S wave amplitude of ECG were significantly (P< ۰.۰۵) increased by feeding LPD. However, VE supplementation of LPD significantly (P< ۰.۰۵) restored these variables to similar ranges observed in NPD. Feeding LPD caused a significant decrease in serum Nitric Oxide (NO) and Uric Acid (UA) concentrations, whereas it caused a significant increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) and Heterophils to Lymphocytes ratio (H:L). Similarly, VE supplement restored these variables to similar levels observed in NPD. In conclusion, oxidative stress was involved in the pathogenesis of ascites in broilers fed with LPD, which could be counteracted by VE supplement.

کلیدواژه ها:

α-Tocopherol ، Feed conversion ratio ، Growth performance ، Pulmonary hypertensive response. ، آسیت ، پروتئین ، جوجه گوشتی ، ویتامین E