The impact of oxidative stress on growth performance and metabolic health in broiler chickens

Oxidative stress is a significant factor that negatively impacts poultry health and performance. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of oxidative stress on growth performance and metabolic health in broiler chickens. A total of 240 one-day-old male broilers (Ross 308) were randomly assigned to three experimental groups (n = 80 per group): Control (CON) – normal rearing conditions, Mild Oxidative Stress (MOS) – exposure to 0.05% hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) in drinking water, and Severe Oxidative Stress (SOS) – exposure to 0.1% H₂O₂ in drinking water and heat stress (35°C for 4 hours/day) from Day 14 to Day 42. Growth performance parameters (body weight, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, and mortality) were recorded weekly, while blood samples were collected on Days 21 and 42 for biochemical analysis. The results indicated that the CON group consistently had the highest body weight, followed by the MOS and SOS groups. Feed conversion efficiency was significantly lower in SOS (p < 0.05), indicating reduced feed utilization. Mortality rates increased progressively in MOS and SOS, with the highest rates in SOS (7% by Week 6, p < 0.05). Biochemical analysis revealed no significant differences in serum glucose and cholesterol, but triglyceride levels were significantly lower in MOS, and total protein levels were highest in MOS, followed by CON and SOS. Oxidative stress negatively affects broiler growth, feed efficiency, and survival, with severe oxidative stress causing the most detrimental effects. These findings underscore the importance of managing oxidative stress in broiler production to ensure optimal performance and metabolic health.