Effects of Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation on Growth Performance, some Hematological Parameters, Plasma Enzymes Activities in Broilers with Pulmonary Hypertension Syndrome (PHS)

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of coenzyme Q₁₀ (CoQ₁₀) supplementation on hematological, enzymes activities and biochemical parameters in broilers with pulmonary hypertension syndrome (PHS).Two hundred and forty 1-d-old Ross 308 male broiler chicks were randomly allocated into 3 groups with 4 replicates. From d 14, the diets were supplemented with CoQ₁₀ at levels of 0, 20 and 40 mg/kg, respectively, while exposing them to low ambient temperature (10 to 15 ˚C) to induce PHSuntil d 42.Mortality was inspected to determine cause of death and diagnose of PHS. Hematological, biochemical and pathological tests were used to determine the incidence of PHS: total red blood cell (RBC), hemoglobin (HGB), hematocrit (HCT), plasma protein and glucose, activity of alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH).Blood samples were taken at d 21 and 42. At the end of the experiment (wk 6), 2 chicks from each replicate were randomly selected and slaughtered. The heart was removed; the right ventricle was dissected away from the left ventricle and septum and the ratio of right ventricle weight to total ventricle weight (RV/TV) was calculated.Average BW gain and average feed intake were measured weekly from d 15 and average feed conversion ratio was calculated and reported weekly.The results showed that 40 mg/kg CoQ₁₀ supplementationimproved<em>feed conversion ratio</em>(FCR)(P<0.05). Moreover, RBC count and plasma protein and glucose level were significantly decreased by 40 mg/kg CoQ₁₀ compared to the other groups, but no significant changes were observed in HGB and HCT. The LDH activity decreased by CoQ₁₀ supplementation (P<0.05). Measurement of malondialdehyde (MDA) content in plasma, RV / TV and mortality due to PHS decreased by 40 mg/kg CoQ₁₀ supplementation (P<0.05). In conclusion, CoQ₁₀ exerted preventive roles in PHS, possible through delivering antioxidant effect of cardiac myocytes and erythrocytes.