Effect of Medicinal Plant Infusions (Allium sativum, Berberis lycium) Schedules on Hepatic Function and Lipid Profile of Broiler Chickens

Abstract

The current research endeavor was undertaken to explore the impact of varying administration schedules of medicinal plant infusions (Allium sativum and Berberis lycium) on the hepatic function and lipid profile of young broiler chicks. A total of 240 day-old broiler chicks were meticulously categorized into four distinct groups, namely TI-0D, TI-1D, TI-2D, and TI-3D. These designations corresponded to the administration schedules as follows: the TI-0D group received daily infusions, the TI-1D group received infusions every alternate day, the TI-2D group received infusions every alternate two days, and the TI-3D group received infusions every alternate three days. Each of these groups was subsequently subdivided into two subgroups based on their vaccination protocols. Each subgroup was composed of three replicates, with each replicate containing 10 chicks. Notably, the serum protein levels were observed to be comparatively lower in the group subjected to daily infusion administration, while the highest levels were recorded in the group receiving infusions every alternate two days. However, it is important to underline that these differences did not attain statistical significance. Remarkably, the serum triglyceride levels demonstrated a significant decrease (P<0.05) in the group receiving infusions every alternate two days (TI-2D), with the highest levels being observed in the TI-0D group, which received daily infusions. Additionally, the levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) were markedly elevated (P<0.05) in the TI-2D group compared to all other groups. In terms of serum low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels, the TI-2D group exhibited the lowest levels, while the TI-0D group displayed the highest levels, although these differences were observed numerically rather than statistically. In conclusion, it can be deduced that the water-based infusion of Allium sativum and Berberis lyceum, administered every alternate two days, led to improvements in both the hepatic function and lipid profile of broiler chicks. This finding underscores the potential benefits of this specific administration schedule in enhancing the physiological parameters of the subjects under investigation.