Effect of α-lipoic acid on thermoregulatory, haematological and gut microbiota populations of heat-stressed broiler chickens

Abstract

A study was carried out to investigate the effect of alpha-lipoic acid (α-LA) on thermoregulatory, haematology and gut microbiota populations of heat-stressed broiler chickens. Two hundred and four (204) unsexed day-old Arbor acre chicks were randomly assigned to four treatment groups to receive α-LA at 0, 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg in a completely randomized design (CRD) for a period of 42 days after a one-week adjustment period. Average room morning and afternoon temperatures were 27.9oC and 35.1oc respectively, while the morning and afternoon humidities were 73.1% and 44.1% respectively. Feed and water were provided ad libitum. Average Temperature-Humidity-Index (THI) indicated the presence of severe heat stress in the afternoons (33.4). Thermoregulatory indices (respiratory rate and body temperature) were significantly (p<0.05) affected by α-LAwith birds on 100 and 200mg α-LA having lower respiratory rates and body temperature. α-lipoic acid also had significant effect (p<0.05) on Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV) and Mean Platelet Volume (MPV) with the highest levels observed in 100mg/kg α-LA group. Increasing levels of α-LA significantly (p<0.05) reduced white blood cells count and duodenal Salmonella population while Lactobacillus population increased (p<0.05). It was concluded that, α-LA had ameliorative effect on thermoregulation, haematological indices and gut microbiology of heat-stressed broiler chickens.