The effect of pioglitazone on performance and plasma lipids of post-peak female broiler breeders

The accumulation of excess triacylglycerol and fatty acids in nonadipocytes results in lipotoxicity, cellular dysfunction, and cell death. Although feed restriction is an effective and practical management technique to prevent the obesity in broiler breeders, after the peak of egg production hens have propensity to be overweight. Lipotoxicity in hepatocytes and follicular cells of laying hens could cause liver disfunction, ovarian abnormalities, and therefore, decline egg production.

This study was conducted to determine the effect of Pioglitazone on egg production and plasma metabolites in broiler breeder hens.

 Thus, forty birds were randomly allotted to four groups with 10 birds in each and were fed standard diet supplemented with different levels of Pioglitazone at 0, 10, 20 and 40 mg/bird per day from 45 through to 51 weeks of age.

The results indicated that 20 and 40 mg levels improved egg production and quality (P<0.05). In regard to plasma lipids, Pioglitazone at levels of 20 and 40 mg had hypolipemic effects and could effectively decrease plasma glucose, triacylglycerol, low density lipoprotein and cholesterol (P<0.05). In addition, the activity of liver enzymes, as a criterion of liver health, was improved in hens receiving 20 and 40 mg Pioglitazone (P<0.05). Also, necropsy observations showed that liver and abdominal fat weights significantly decreased by dietary supplementation of 20 and 40 mg Pioglitazone (P<0.05).

In conclusion, the current study indicated that Pioglitazone at levels 20 and 40 mg/bird/day could improve performance of post-peak female broiler breeders through lowering plasma lipids.