Use of Broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var. Italica) in Comparison to AscorbicAcid to Decrease Pulmonary Hypertension Syndrome in Broiler Chickens

Ascites syndrome is one of the most important metabolic disorders in growing broiler chickens world-wide.

This study investigated the effect of broccoli in comparison to ascorbic acid on controlling pulmonary hypertension syndrome (PHS) in broiler chickens.

A total of 144 one-day old chicks were randomly divided into four groups. Each group included 36 chicks with three replicates of 12 birds. Experimental treatments were control, ascorbic acid (500 mg/kg dietary), and two levels of broc-coli (0.5% and 1% dietary broccoli powder). Growth performance, hematocrit or packed cell volume (PCV), heterophil to lymphocyte (H:L) ratio, right ventricle to total ventricle weight ratio (RV:TV), serum biochemical factors, lipid peroxidation, total antioxidant capacity, as well as humoral and cellular immune responses were evaluated.

Growth performance parameters improved in experimental treatments compared to control, even though it was not statistically significant. The RV:TV ratio in treatment groups was lower than control, and it was significant in ascorbic acid and broccoli 1% (p ≤0.05). H:L ratio decreased in treatment groups than control (p ≤0.05). Nitric oxide and HDL-C levels increased at both broccoli levels than control (p ≤0.05), but LDL-C and triglyceride levels decreased (p ≤0.05). Serum malondialdehyde (MDA) and total antioxidant capacity were lower and higher in treatment groups than control, respectively (p ≤0.05). There were no significant changes in other parameters.

This research showed that addition of broccoli to the diet of broiler chickens, through improving anti-oxidant parameters, increasing serum nitric oxide levels, and decreasing blood pressure, blood lipids, RV:TV ratio, and mortality, could be effective to prevent PHS.