Effects of Bisoprolol on Growth Performance, Hemato-Biochemical Parameters, and Antioxidant Status in Broiler Chickens

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of bisoprolol on growth performance, hemato-biochemical indices, and antioxidant status in broiler chickens. A total of 80 one-day-old female Hubbard broiler chicks were randomly assigned to four groups (20 chicks in each). The first group was kept as a control, while the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th groups received bisoprolol in drinking water daily at concentrations of 5, 10, and 20 mg/L, respectively. Administering bisoprolol at a concentration of 5 mg significantly improved body weight, (BW) body weight gain (BWG), feed conversion ratio (FCR), and decreased feed intake (FI) (p < 0.05) compared to control birds. FCR was increased in the bisoprolol-treated group with 20 mg. Non-significant changes were observed in red blood cells (RBCs), hemoglobin (Hb) concentration, and packed cell volume (PCV) in all treated groups at the 42nd day of age compared to the control group, while total leukocytic counts (WBCs) were increased in the treated groups at concentrations of 10 and 20 mg at the 42nd day compared to the control group and 5 mg treated group. Furthermore, a significant decrease in the serum activity of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransaminase (AST), alanine aminotransaminase (ALT), and serum levels of urea, creatinine, and uric acid were seen in the treated group at a concentration of 5 mg, significantly improving liver and kidney function compared to the other treated groups. Our finding revealed that administering bisoprolol at a concentration of 5 mg significantly improved the antioxidant status through increased antioxidant enzymes like SOD, GSH, and GPX, while significantly decreasing MDA levels in hepatic and, renal tissues compared with the control and other treatment groups. The histology of the liver and kidney tissues was normal in treated chickens at a concentration of 5 mg. In conclusion, the drinking water of broiler chickens could be supplemented with bisoprolol at a concentration of 5 mg/L drinking water to enhance the growth of birds, feed utilization, ameliorated liver and kidney functions, and antioxidant status.