UTTAR PRADESH JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY

The study was conducted during June, 2024–September, 2024 at College of Veterinary Science & A.H., Durg, Chhattisgarh, India aimed to research the effects of L-ascorbic acid and Zinc oxide nanoparticles supplementation to reduce transport induced stress in birds of Sonali breed.  A total of 120, 6–7 weeks birds of sonali breed were divided into four different groups. Birds of group I were loaded in vehicle but not transported whereas Group II, III and IV were transported for a distance of 200km at 35–40kmh^-1. Group III and IV birds received treatment of Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs)in drinking water at 100µgml^-1 and L-ascorbic acid (AA) at 82µgml^-1, two days before the transportation. Blood samples were investigated for serum lipid profile and oxidative stress markers. A significant increase (p<0.05) in cortisol level, heterophil to lymphocyte ratio, total serum protein values were reported in birds of following transportation stress. Significant altered (p<0.01) serum lipid profile was recorded in birds of T₂ group. The content of MDA in thigh muscle homogenate was significantly decreased (P=0.001) whereas increased antioxidant enzymes were recorded with the treatment of ZnONP and Ascorbic acid. Our results implied that supplementation of antioxidants before transportation of birds could be helpful to reduce stress in birds with improved meat quality attributes.