The Effects of Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation on Plasma & Liver Antioxidant Status and Mortality Broilers with Pulmonary Hypertension Syndrome (Ascites)

Two hundred forty 1-d-old Ross 308 male broiler chicks were randomly allocated into 3 groups with 4 replicates each. From d 14, the diets were supplemented with CoQ10 at levels of 0, 20, and 40 mg/kg, respectively. From d 14 to 42, all the chicks were exposed to low ambient temperature (10 to 15°C) to induce Ascites. Mortality was inspected to determine cause of death and diagnose of PHS. For evaluation of antioxidant status, the parameters that were determined in plasma and liver include: GPX, SOD, TAS and MDA. Sampling of blood and liver tissue were determined at d 21 and 42. At 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 then RV/TV calculated too. The results showed that mortality due to Ascites was reduced by CoQ10 supplementation (P<0.05). Moreover, MDA in plasma was significantly decreased and plasma GPX activity increased by 40 mg/kg CoQ10 compared with the control, but no significant changes were observed on SOD activity and TAS. RV/TV was significantly decreased by 40 mg/kg CoQ10 supplementation (P<0.05). The SOD & GPX activity and MDA levels in liver tissue were not affected by treatments (P>0.05).