Hepatosis in broiler chickens: The role and efficacy of therapeutic and prophylactic agents containing hepatoprotectors

Abstract

The preservation of poultry stock can be improved by incorporating therapeutic and preventive agents, including hepatoprotectors, into the diet. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of an experimental drug containing hepatoprotectors on the health of broiler chickens. The research sought to identify the potential of the preparation to enhance liver function and overall poultry stock survival. The study was conducted from 2023 to 2024 at Odesa State Agrarian University. Investigations were carried out to assess the effects of the experimental preparation in the following doses: 1.0 g/kg body weight (therapeutic dose), 2.0 g/kg body weight (double therapeutic dose), and 5.0 g/kg body weight (fivefold therapeutic dose) over 30 days. The experiment was conducted on 500 Cobb 500 broiler chickens aged 1 to 40 days. Additionally, biochemical blood parameters were measured and analysed using a Polish biochemical selective automatic analyser, the Hitachi 902. Studies have established that the optimal dose of the experimental drug for hepatosis in broiler chickens is 1.0 g/kg body weight. After administration of the drug, the serum bilirubin content decreased by 27.3%, lactate dehydrogenase activity decreased by 17.1%, aspartate aminotransferase activity decreased by 16.4%, alanine aminotransferase activity decreased by 19.3%, and vitamin A content increased by 25.6%, while the phagocytic activity of pseudoeosinophils increased by 23.1%. The results of the studies have proven that the experimental drug normalises liver function, positively affects the biochemical composition of blood, promotes growth, provides protection and natural resistance of the broiler organism, and even improves the quality of poultry products. Based on the above, it is necessary to improve methods for early diagnosis of liver function disorders in poultry and apply effective methods for correcting metabolic processes.