Impact of Ferula hermonis Root Powder Supplementation on Some Blood Parameters, Antioxidant Status, and Ovarian Development in Aged Laying Hens
Gadran K. H. Al-Maliki
Department of Animal Production, College of Agriculture, University of Basrah, Basrah, Iraq.
Khalid C.K. Al-Salhie
*
Department of Animal Production, College of Agriculture, University of Basrah, Basrah, Iraq.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of varying amounts of powdered Ferula hermonis roots on ovarian function, some blood parameters, and the antioxidant status of aged layer hens. Seventy two 81-week-old Lohmann brown strain hens, weighing 1925 ± 63 g was used in this study. The study was conducted from 81 to 89 weeks of age. Four groups were assembled, each consisting of six replicates with three hens per replicate (totaling 18 hens per group). The hens were divided into groups according to a completely randomized design. The diets of the first (control), second, third, and fourth groups (G1, G2, G3, and G4) had different amounts of Ferula hermonis root powder: 0, 150, 250, and 350 mg/kg, respectively. The results revealed that the serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity in the 250 mg/kg Ferula hermonis root powder supplemented was significantly (p≤0.05) decreased compared to other groups. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity in the second, third, and fourth groups was significantly (p≤0.05) decreased compared to the control group. Serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in the 350 mg/kg group was significantly (p≤0.05) increased compared to the other groups. Higher catalase (CAT) activity was recorded in the fourth group and a lower concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) was recorded in the third and fourth groups. Oviduct relative weight, number of yellow follicles, and diameter of white follicles were significantly (p≤0.05) increased in the second, third, and fourth groups compared to the control group. However, ovary relative weight and diameter of yellow follicles were significantly (p≤0.05) increased in the third and fourth groups compared to the second and control groups. A higher number of white follicles was recorded in the fourth group compared to the other groups. The results indicated that Ferula hermonis root powder had no significant effect on serum cholesterol, triglycerides and GPx activity. In conclusion, feeding powdered Ferula hermonis roots to aged laying hens improved their ovarian function, liver enzymes, and antioxidant capacity.
Keywords: Aged laying hens, antioxidant status, Ferula hermonis, ovarian function