The advantages and synergistic effects of Gunnera (Gundelia tournefortii L.) extract and protexin in chicken production

Background Probiotics and phytogenics in the poultry diet have many positive effects on productivity. The combination of these feed additives has not been studied. Objective This study was designed for evaluation of synergistic effects of protexin (P) and Gunnera (Gundelia tournefortii L.) extract (GX) on growth, biochemical, hematological and antioxidant status of broiler chickens. Methods Totally, 300 chicks were divided into 4 groups that fed the basal diet, diet containing P, GX, and GX plus P (GX‐P) in all over the growing period. At 42 days of age, blood samples were collected from all chickens. The concentration of aspartate transferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), triglyceride (TG), cholesterol (CHL), low‐density lipoprotein (LDL), high‐density lipoprotein (HDL), superoxide dismutase (SOD), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), Glutathione peroxidase (GPx), haematological parameters, and humeral antibody against Newcastle disease vaccine was measured. Results The Results showed that the feed conversion ratio in chickens fed GX‐P was significantly lower than others. Also, in chickens fed GX or GX‐P, the TG and CHL concentration was significantly lower and GPx and TAC concentration was significantly higher than others, while chickens that received P or GX‐P showed higher haemoglobin and TP concentration. The antibody response was significantly higher in chickens fed P. The ALT, AST, ALP, and SOD concentration did not show any significant difference in all chickens. Conclusion Continuous utilization of P along with GX in broiler diets can induce synergist effect on feed efficacy and antioxidant status, lowering lipid profiles with no effect on liver function in chickens.