Phytogenic Effects on Layer Production Performance and Cytoprotective Response in the Duodenum

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Poultry Nutrition
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Phytogenic premixes (PP) offer potential benefits in animal feed.
• Understanding their impact on gene expression is crucial for optimizing poultry production.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the effects of a specific phytogenic premix (PP) on laying hen performance.
• To investigate the influence of PP on detoxification (aryl hydrocarbon receptor pathway) and antioxidant (nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 pathway) gene expression in the duodenum.

Main Methods:

• A 12-week feeding trial with 385 Hy-Line Brown laying hens.
• Five dietary treatments were administered, including a control and four levels of PP (500–1500 mg/kg).
• Production parameters and duodenal gene expression related to AhR and Nrf2 pathways were analyzed.

Main Results:

• The P1000 group showed significantly increased laying rate and egg mass compared to the control.
• Dietary PP inclusion positively influenced the expression of most studied AhR and Nrf2 pathway genes in the duodenum.
• Optimal effects were observed within the 750–1000 mg/kg PP inclusion range.

Conclusions:

• Phytogenic premix inclusion enhances laying hen production performance.
• PP supplementation modulates duodenal gene expression, indicating reduced detoxification requirements and increased antioxidant capacity.
• The findings support the use of PP in poultry diets for improved health and productivity.