Dietary supplementation of protexin and artichoke extract for modulating growth performance and oxidative stress in broilers

In this study, the effects of Protexin and artichoke extract (AE) were evaluated on the performance and oxidative stress of chickens. Totally, 300 chicks were divided into 4 groups that were fed a basal diet, a diet containing Protexin, AE, and Protexin plus AE all over the growing period. The growth indices were measured weekly and analyzed at 21 and 42 days of age. At 42 days of age, blood samples were collected from all chickens. The concentrations of liver enzymes, lipid profiles, and antioxidant status were measured in blood samples. Results showed that the weight gain (WG) was significantly higher and the feed conversion ratio (FCR) significantly lower in chickens that received Protexin, or Protexin plus AE, in comparison with chickens that received AE and control chickens (P<0.05). Furthermore, the addition of AE plus Protexin can significantly increase the activity of blood Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and total antioxidant status (TAS) with respect to chickens that were fed Protexin and AE alone. The triglyceride (TG), cholesterol (CHL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) was lower and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) were higher in chickens that received AE or Protexin plus AE, with a comparison of chickens fed Protexin and control chickens (P<0.05). The levels of aspartate transferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) show a significant decrease in chickens that get Protexin plus AE. In conclusion, continuous utilization of Protexin along with artichoke extract in broiler diets can promote growth performance and modulate oxidative stress in broilers.