Effect of a Carotenoid Extract from Citrus reticulata By-Products on the Immune-Oxidative Status of Broilers

Abstract

Although carotenoids generally possess antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, the in vivo synergistic action of carotenoid blends derived from plant-based by-products has not been thoroughly studied. Therefore, the carotenoid characterization and antimicrobial potential of Citrus reticulata extract as well as the impact of this carotenoid-rich extract (CCE) dietary supplementation on the performance, meat quality, and immune-oxidative status of broiler chickens were determined. One hundred and twenty one-day-old hatched chicks (Ross 308) were allocated to two dietary groups, with four replicate pens of 15 birds each. Birds were fed either a basal diet (CON) or the basal diet supplemented with 0.1% CCE (25 mg carotenoid extract included in 1 g of soluble starch) for 42 d. β-Cryptoxanthin, β -Carotene, Zeaxanthin, and Lutein were the prevailing carotenoid compounds in the Citrus reticulata extract. The CCE feed additive exerted inhibitory properties against both Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and negative (Klebsiella oxytoca, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella typhimurium) bacteria. Both the broiler performance and meat quality did not substantially differ, while the breast muscle malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration tended to decrease (p = 0.070) in the CCE-fed broilers. The inclusion of CCE decreased the alanine aminotransferase and MDA concentration, and the activity of glutathione peroxidase, while the activity of superoxide dismutase was increased in the blood. Catalase and NADPH oxidase 2 relative transcript levels were significantly downregulated in the livers of the CCE-fed broilers. Additionally, Interleukin 1β and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) relative transcript levels were downregulated in the livers of the CCE- fed broilers, while TNF and interferon γ (IFNG) tended to decrease in the spleens and bursa of Fabricius, respectively. The present study provided new insights regarding the beneficial properties of carotenoids contained in Citrus reticulata in broilers’ immune-oxidative status. These promising outcomes could be the basis for further research under field conditions.

Evaluating the Suitability of Orange Pulp Meal as a Partial Substitute of Corn on the Chemical and Sensorial Properties of Broiler Meat (Pectoralis major)

“…Similarly, it has been suggested that inclusion of orange pulp in broiler diets could potentially reduce MDA levels in broiler meat (Mavrommatis et al, 2022). Moreover, our results are related to those presented by (Petru Alexandru Vlaicu et al, 2020), where broiler diet supplemented with orange pulp had a lower level of TBARS compared to the control group.…”

Lycopene in Feed as Antioxidant and Immuno‐Modulator Improves Broiler Chicken’s Performance under Heat‐Stress Conditions

“…Providing lycopene to broiler chickens exerts positive effects ( Table 1 ), especially in crucial periods such as extreme temperature and infection-associated conditions [ 8 ]. The inclusion of a commercial diet supplemented with lycopene has been shown in previous research to boost yolk pigmentation and immunity in chickens throughout production [ 22 , 23 ]. Therefore, this review explains the effects of lycopene in broiler chickens on their performance due to its antioxidant and immune-modulating properties.…”

Effect of dietary lutein on the egg production, fertility, and oxidative injury indexes of aged hens

“…Lutein intervention decreased serum MDA and 8-OHdG in rats [ 23 ]. Carotenoid blends including lutein decreased MDA in broilers [ 24 ]. Lutein treatment blocked the high glucose-mediated elevation of intracellular reactive oxygen species, PCO, and MDA content in ARPE-19 cells [ 25 ].…”