Strain-specific responses of commercial broiler chickens to dietary supplementation of turnip leaf powder: Implications on growth performance, blood biochemistry and economic efficiency

Abstract

This study investigated the differential implications of dietary supplementation with turnip leaf powder (TLP) on growth performance, immune function, hematological and biochemical profiles, as well as economic efficiency in two different broiler strains. A total of 320 10-day-old broiler chicks from two broiler strains (Avian 48 and Hubbard efficiency plus, 160 chicks/strain) were randomly assigned to a 2 × 4 factorial arrangement (TLP supplementation and broiler strain) forming eight treatments with four replicates each. TLP was supplemented at 0.0, 0.50, 1.00, and 1.50 g/kg of diet, over a 4-week experimental period. Avian-48 birds exhibited higher body weight and gain, and improved feed conversion ratio compared to Hubbard broilers in a linear pattern (P < 0.05). As the TLP supplementation level increased, dressing percentage increased, while gizzard relative weight declined linearly (P < 0.05). Improving growth and carcass yield, in response to TLP supplementation, were correlated with enhancement in digestive enzyme activities, reduction in coliform counts while modulating Lactobacillus populations in a strain-specific manner (P < 0.05). Moreover, immune and antioxidant status were improved, demonstrated by increased phagocytic activity and lymphocyte percentage, decreased heterophil percentage and MDA concentration, along with modulating total antioxidant capacity (P < 0.05). Hematological parameters, including PCV, hemoglobin, and RBC count, were improved with TLP supplementation, with hepatoprotective effects confirmed by reducing AST and ALT activities and normal hepatic morphology. In addition, serum lipid profiles showed favorable reductions in total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL in Hubbard broilers at higher TLP levels, whereas Avian 48 exhibited less consistent responses (P < 0.05). Most of these responses were significantly strain- dependent. Besides, the reported physiological improvements, in response to TLP supplementation, translated into significant economic benefits, evidenced by improving economic efficiency parameters and lowering the cost of feed/kg body weight gain. Collectively, TLP supplementation (1.0-1.5 g/kg diet, in Avian 48 and Hubbard, respectively) exerted various beneficial effects on growth performance, physiology, and economic performance, supporting its application as a natural feed additive, enhancing commercial broiler production.