Gut-brain axis interaction in heat-stressed broilers supplemented with N-acetyl-L-cysteine

No significant differences in gene-related GSH synthesis; HS upregulated HSP70 expression in the liver and cerebrum, and downregulated apelin in the cerebrum; NAC selectively downregulated cerebrum ghrelin Results 1 -NAC and heat stress on broiler performanceChronic cyclic HS decreased ADG, NAC supplementation could not reverse this condition, but lowered FI Materials and MethodsThree hundred twenty-four ROSS 308 broilers were assigned to 27 pens (12 birds/pen) and, from day 20, allocated to three groups: TN (n=7; 22C, basal diet), HS (n=10; 34C for 7 h/day, 26C otherwise, basal diet), and HS+NAC (n=10; same as HS with 2000 mg/kg NAC).All birds had ad libitum access to feed and water; humidity was maintained at 50-60%.ADG, ADFI, and F:G were calculated per pen.VH:CD ratio was assessed on 10 well-oriented villi.Histopathological scoring (0 = normal, 1 = abnormal) was conducted on liver, midjejunum, and cerebrum.Gene expressions related to gut-brain interaction and glutathione synthesis were analyzed by RT-qPCR.