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Effects of transport stress on gene expression and biomarkers in broilers with/without Anti-stress supplement

Jaydip Rokade , Sky Krishna Gopal, Sagar Khulape, Nagesh Sonale, Prashant Patel, Abhijeet Champati, Gautham Kolluri, Monika Madheshwaran

Abstract

Context. Poultry farming is challenged by various stressors, particularly transportation stress, which negatively impacts the health and productivity of birds. Aims. This study explores the outcomes of transportation stress and resting period on the expression of Super Oxide Dismutase (SOD), CASP6, and glucocorticoid-related genes in broilers, both with and without the use of anti-stressor supplements. Methods. An entirety of 240 Cobb broilers (40 days old) were divided into six treatment groups as follows. All groups were transported for 8 hr. T1: Control group; T2: 1-hour rest after transport in a ambient room temperature; T3: 1-hour rest after transport in a cool environment (20-25°C). For the last three groups: T4, T5, T6: Received an anti-stressor solution (4.2g/L) twice daily for three straight days before transport. After transport, T5:1-hour rest in ambient room temperature; T6: 1-hour rest in a cool environment (20-25°C). Following transport, body weight changes were measured, and liver and jejunum tissues were harvested for RNA extraction purposes. The samples were analysed using real-time RT-PCR to assess the expression of genes. Key results. Results showed that those broilers supplemented with an anti-stressor package had a significant reduction in body weight loss (P<0.001) with the lowest weight loss (-6.37%) noted in the T6 group. Gene expression analyses revealed significant (P<0.05) down-regulation of SOD, CASPASE 6, and glucocorticoid genes in liver and jejunum tissues of supplemented and cooled birds, with T6 exhibiting pronounced reduction. Conclusions. This study confirms that using an anti-stressor supplement along with suitable lairage environments effectively alleviates transport-induced oxidative stress in broilers and offers a promising solution for reducing transportation stress in broilers. Implications. The formulated anti-stressor package is designed for use in broiler birds prior to transport, across all climatic conditions, effectively minimizing stress and enhancing profitability for stakeholders.

AN24372  Accepted 22 May 2025

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