The Combination of Attapulgite, Betaine, and Chromium with Curcumin on Lipid Metabolism in Laying Hens under Tropical Conditions

Liver health in laying hen is associated with lipid synthesis and metabolism. This study focused on oxidative parameters to maintain liver health and lipid metabolism in laying hens. The efficacy of curcumin as a herbal compound, combined with attapulgite, betaine, and organic chromium in a feed additive called Citrus XL, was evaluated in terms of its impact on lipid metabolism. This study involved 2000 ISA Brown strain laying hens aged 82-87 weeks. The heat stress index was calculated based on a temperature of 26.71 ± 1.11 oC and humidity of 83.21 ± 6.86 % in open-house cages with an 18-hour lighting period. This experiment included four treatments with five replications, including a basal diet with no Citrus XL (Control), a basal diet plus 0.5 kg/ton of Citrus XL, a basal diet plus 1.0 kg/ton of Citrus XL, and a basal diet plus 1.5 kg/ton of Citrus XL. To do so, blood biochemistry, fat content, liver score, malondialdehyde (MDA), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels were measured. The results indicated a significant increase in HDL levels as well as a reduction in LDL and MDA levels, liver scores, and egg yolk fat content. In conclusion, the treatment with 1.0 kg/ton of Citrus XL yielded the best results in terms of HDL, liver score, and liver MDA while Citrus XL treatment with 0.5 kg/ton produced the best results for LDL and yolk fat content.