Juglans regia Kernel Powder Supplementation in Broiler Chickens Fed Aflatoxin-Contaminated Diets: Effect on Growth, Serum Chemistry Indices, Immunoglobulin and Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines

This study aimed to investigate the impact of Juglans regia Kernel Powder (JKP) on broiler chickens subjected to Aflatoxin (AF)-contaminated diets during a 42-day feeding trial conducted in February and March 2022. A total of 240 one-day-old broiler chickens were divided into four dietary groups: Diet 1 (Control), Diet 2 (0.5 mg kg-1 AF), Diet 3 (0.5 mg kg-1 AF+250 mg kg-1 JKP), and Diet 4 (0.5 mg kg-1 AF+500 mg kg-1 JKP). Birds on Diet 2 exhibited a significantly lower (P= 0.01) relative growth rate compared to the other diets. JKP supplementation at 250 mg kg-1 (Diet 3) and 500 mg kg-1 (Diet 4) mitigated the negative impact of AF on growth. Birds on Diet 2 showed significantly lower (P= 0.01) serum concentrations of total protein, albumin, and globulin compared to those on Diets 1, 3, and 4. Elevated levels of Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and creatinine in Diet 2 indicated liver and kidney damage. Alanine Transaminase (ALT) concentrations in Diet 2 were higher (P= 0.01) than Diets 1 and 4. Birds fed diet 2 had lower glucose levels (P= 0.01) than diets 1 and 4. IgA levels in birds fed Diet 2 were lower (P= 0.03) than those in the birds fed Diet 4. Birds fed diet 2 had considerably (P< 0.05) lower IgE and IgG levels than birds fed diets 1 and 4. Nuclear Factor Kappa B (NFK B) was higher (P= 0.01) in birds fed Diet 2 compared to other diets. Interleukin 6 (IL 6) concentration was significantly (P= 0.01) higher in the birds fed Diet 2 than in the other diets. A recommended dietary supplementation of 250 mg kg-1 JKP is suggested based on the observed ameliorative effects.

Juglans regia Kernel Powder Supplementation in Broiler Chickens Fed Aflatoxin-Contaminated Diets: Effect on Growth, Serum Chemistry Indices, Immunoglobulin and Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines Keywords:

Botanicals , Dietary supplementation , Immunity , Inflammation.