Temporal Changes in Redox Status in the Liver and Intestine of Squab Pigeons

Abstract

This study investigated temporal changes in the redox status of squab pigeons from hatching to slaughter, providing insights for improved pigeon production. A total of 60 White King squabs were allocated to five groups. Samples were collected on the day of hatching and then on days 7, 14, 21, and 28. Serum catalase (CAT) activity, hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA) content, jejunal CAT activity and glutathione (GSH) level, and ileal MDA content increased linearly and quadratically, and these alterations suddenly occurred in squabs aged 21 to 28 d. Hepatic total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) activity increased linearly and quadratically between 7 and 28 d. Serum MDA level, hepatic CAT activity and GSH level decreased linearly and quadratically. Age led to a linear increase in jejunal MDA and serum GSH levels, with a peak at 28 d. Ileal T-SOD activity increased quadratically in squabs aged 14 to 21 d. Hepatic CAT and jejunal NFE2 like bZIP transcription factor 2 (Nrf2) mRNA exhibited linear and quadratic upregulation with increasing age; whereas hepatic Nrf2 expression displayed linear and quadratic downregulation. While expression of jejunal SOD1, and hepatic SOD1 and SOD2 increased linearly; that of hepatic and jejunal kelch like ECH associated protein 1 rose quadratically, peaking at 21 d. In conclusion, we report marked changes in the redox status between days 21 and 28 of squab during the rearing pattern. SOD contributes substantially to the antioxidant capacity of the liver and ileum. Hence, nutritional strategies that target SOD activity could optimize health and production of squab pigeons.