Alpha-lipoic acid: An inimitable feed supplement for poultry nutrition

Area of Science:

• Animal Nutrition
• Biochemistry
• Food Science

Background:

• Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is a potent antioxidant with diverse biological functions.
• ALA exists in oxidized and reduced forms, offering growth promotion, anti-inflammatory, and immunostimulatory benefits in animals.
• Dietary ALA supplementation has shown potential to impact poultry growth, metabolism, and meat quality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and discuss the effects of dietary alpha-lipoic acid fortification on poultry.
• To evaluate ALA's impact on growth performance, biochemical parameters, and immunological characteristics in chickens.
• To assess ALA's influence on lipid peroxidation and the quality of poultry meat and products.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on alpha-lipoic acid supplementation in poultry diets.
• Analysis of research investigating ALA's effects on growth indicators, immune responses, and metabolic profiles.
• Examination of data on ALA's role in reducing oxidative stress and enhancing meat storability.

Main Results:

• Dietary ALA supplementation positively influences poultry growth performance indicators.
• ALA enhances immunological and biochemical characteristics, including antioxidant potential.
• Supplementation with ALA improves lipid metabolism, reduces oxidative stress, and increases the storability of poultry meat.

Conclusions:

• Alpha-lipoic acid shows promise as a feed additive in poultry nutrition.
• ALA can improve overall poultry growth performance and meat quality.
• ALA supplementation contributes to better antioxidant status and meat product shelf-life in poultry.