Effects of different level of arginine on antioxidant status, serum carotenoid levels and carcass traits in broilers challenged with Eimeria spp

Coccidiosis is one of the most common diseases in poultry industry in all over the world that is characterized by enteritis. Coccidiosis causes economic losses in chicks, because it induces diarrhea and deaths. This disease decreases the plasma concentration of arginine and suppresses antioxidant system. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different levels of arginine on antioxidant status, carcass traits, and serum carotenoid levels in broiler chicks challenged with Eimeria spp.

A total number of 384 one-day-old broiler chicks (Ross 308) of mixed sex was allocated into 8 groups with 8 birds/pen from grower period. At 21 days, broiler chickens were challenged with a mixture of Eimeria species. Birds were divided into infected and uninfected groups and received arginine at 85, 100, 125, and 150 % of recommended levels. The levels of antioxidant enzymes, malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), and serum carotenoid levels were assessed in blood sera and also carcass traits were evaluated.

Coccidiosis decreased total antioxidant capacity, and serum carotenoid levels, but increased MDA and NO in comparison with uninfected Birds (p<0.05). However, 125 and 150% diets, increased total antioxidant capacity and serum carotenoid levels, but decreased MDA (P<0.05).

In conclusion, coccidiosis decreased antioxidant status and serum carotenoid levels in broiler, but dietary inclusion of higher levels of arginine improved antioxidant status and serum carotenoid levels. In summary, higher levels of arginine could be recommended to improve antioxidant capacity and serum carotenoid levels in broiler challenged with coccidiosis.