Effects of Amaranthus hybridus chlorostachys Feeding on Productivity in Broiler Chickens: An Animal Model Study

Background: This study investigated the effects of amaranth feeding on performance, carcass characteristics, biochemical parameters, blood antioxidant status, immunity, fatty acid profile, and sensory traits of broiler meat. Methods: After analyzing the nutrient composition of amaranth, experiments were conducted using ۱۵۰ Ross ۳۰۸ broilers in a completely randomized design with ۳ treatments (۰, ۱, and ۲% raw amaranth) and five replications of ۱۰ birds each. Results: Results showed that broilers fed ۱% or ۲% amaranth exhibited an improved feed conversion ratio and increased body weight (p < ۰.۰۵). Amaranth feeding also decreased (p < ۰.۰۱) blood glucose, cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, atherogenic index, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and malondialdehyde. However, it significantly increased high-density lipoprotein, uric acid, albumin, total protein, phosphorus, iron, calcium, and total antioxidant capacity (p < ۰.۰۱). Conclusion: Supplementation with low levels of amaranth can be used as a dietary enrichment for broiler chickens without negative effects on overall production performance or carcass traits. Improvements were observed in health-related indicators, including blood lipid and antioxidant profiles, as well as the sensory quality of broiler meat. Since broiler meat is widely consumed, this research suggests a potential benefit for human health.

کلیدواژه ها:

Amaranth ، Atherogenic index ، Broiler chickens ، Enrichment ، Feed conversion ratio ، Total antioxidant capacity