Influence of Astaxanthin and Copper Supplementation on Growth Performance, Immune-antioxidant and Blood Biochemical Status of Broiler Chicks

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to explore the effect of “Growth performance, immune, antioxidant and blood biochemical status of broiler chicks supplemented with astaxanthin and copper. 180-day-old broiler chicks (Cobb-430) were utilized in this experiment, the chicks were randomly divided into four groups (n = 45) and each group was divided into three replications, 15 chicks in each. Group I acted as the control without any supplementation of astaxanthin and copper, However, groups II, III, and Ⅳ were supplementation with astaxanthin at a dose of 20 mg/kg feed as natural pigments, copper at a dose of 12 μg/kg feed as essential micronutrient, and a combination of astaxanthin (20 mg/kg feed) and copper (12 μg/kg feed), respectively, from day old to 35 days of the experiment. The body weight and feed consumption were recorded at weekly intervals and were used in the computation of body weight gain and feed conversion ratio. Blood samples were collected from the wing vein on the 21st and 35nd day for the estimation of total protein, albumin, globulin, glucose, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, total antioxidant activity, superoxide dismutase Total Ig, and thiobarbitureactive substance. The body weight, body weight gain, and feed consumption were improved statistically (P<0.05), however, the feed conversion ratio declined statistically (P<0.05) in the groups that received astaxanthin and copper either alone or in combination as compared to the control group. astaxanthin and copper supplementation significantly (P<0.05) improved the plasma concentration of total protein, albumin, and globulin, however, significantly (P<0.05) lowered, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase. Similarly, activities of total antioxidant, superoxide dismutase increased statistically (P<0.05) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance decreased significantly (P<0.05) in broilers fed on a diet containing astaxanthin and copper as compared to the control group. The present study concluded that the supplementation of astaxanthin and copper in broiler chicks improved the growth performance, liver and kidney function, and antioxidant status.