This study aims to investigate the effects of lycopene on behaviour and serum malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations in broiler chickens during the hot-dry season. Forty day-old broiler chicks were divided into control and lycopene groups of 20 chicks per group, and treated for 28 days. Olive oil was given to each bird in the control group, and lycopene at 10 mg/kg mixed with olive oil was administered to each bird in the lycopene group by oral gavage once daily. Direct behavioural observations were conducted on days 14, 21, and 28. Blood sampling for the determination of serum MDA was conducted on day 28. The results showed that overall (mean ± SEM) dry-bulb temperature (32.29 ± 0.42˚C), relative humidity (59.41 ± 1.74%), and temperature-humidity index (31.24 ± 0.43˚C) were above the established values for broiler chickens, which indicate that the birds were exposed to heat stress. Significantly increased inactivity and decreased (P < 0.05) serum MDA concentration were recorded in the lycopene group compared to the control group. In conclusion, lycopene administration exhibited an ameliorative effect in broiler chickens exposed to heat stress during the hot-dry season as evidenced by reduced activities and decreased lipid peroxidation.
Key words: Behavioural observations, Heat stress, Hot-dry season, Nutritional antioxidants, Thermoregulation
|
