Evaluation of Oxidative Stress and its Amelioration through Certain Antioxidants in Broilers during Summer

Abstract

A comparative study on antioxidative effects of vitamin E, amla-electrolyte (Electrolyte mix of Emblica officinalis) and mint (Mentha longifolia) supplementation in broilers was conducted during the summer months of May-July with temperature-humidity index ranging from 73 to 80. Day old broiler chicks (n=75) were randomly divided into five groups. Control group was given basal diet and treatment groups were supplemented with either Vitamin E (200mg/kg feed), dried mint leaves (10g/kg and 30g/kg feed) or amla-electrolyte mix (1g/kg feed) from day 1 to seven weeks of age. Control group at 3^rd and 5^th week showed high concentration of lipid peroxidation and low activity of glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in erythrocytes, heart, liver and brain cortex. Antioxidants supplemented groups showed significantly reduced level of lipid peroxidation in erythrocytes both at 3^rd and 5^th week and in tissues. The GSH, catalase, SOD and glutathione reductase activities were elevated in erythrocytes whereas GSH and SOD activities were depressed in treated birds. It can be concluded from the results that oxidative stress in broilers during summer could be ameliorated using herbal antioxidants.