Phytogenic Water Additives Improve Broiler Growth Performance via Modulation of Intermediary Metabolism-Related...

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Nutritional Biochemistry
• Poultry Physiology

Background:

• The ban on antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) necessitates research into effective alternatives for improving broiler performance.
• Phytogenic supplements AV/SSL12 (AVSSL) and Superliv Gold (SG) have previously improved broiler feed efficiency (FE) through hypothalamic neuropeptide modulation.
• The impact of these phytogenics on peripheral metabolic pathways remains largely uninvestigated.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of AVSSL and SG supplementation on lipid and protein metabolism-associated pathways in broiler tissues.
• To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the improved feed efficiency observed with these phytogenic alternatives.

Main Methods:

• Day-old male Cobb 500 chicks (n=288) were assigned to control (basal diet) or phytogenic (AVSSL or SG) supplemented groups.
• Phytogenics were administered in drinking water throughout starter, grower, and finisher phases.
• Liver, adipose, and muscle tissues were collected on day 35 for analysis of key metabolic proteins and gene expression.

Main Results:

• AVSSL and SG increased hepatic phosphorylated acetyl-CoA carboxylase alpha (ACCα) and downregulated sterol regulatory element-binding protein cleavage-activating protein (SCAP).
• Supplementation altered hepatic expression of SREBP-2, adiponectin (AdipoQ), AdipoR1/R2, and stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1 (SCD-1).
• Adipose tissue showed increased phosphorylated hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) and decreased ATGL protein with SG, while muscle exhibited altered phosphorylated mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) levels.

Conclusions:

• AVSSL and SG supplementation modulate hepatic lipogenesis, adipose tissue lipolysis, and muscle protein synthesis pathways.
• These metabolic alterations provide a potential explanation for the previously observed improvements in broiler feed efficiency.
• Phytogenics offer a viable alternative to AGPs by influencing critical metabolic processes in poultry.