Effects of cold temperature and vitamin E supplementation on oxidative stress, Troponin-T level, and other ascites-related traits in broilers

The present study was conducted to determine effects of low ambient temperature and dietary vitamin E supplementation on growth performance and ascites-related traits in broilers, and to assess oxidative stress status in broilers with ascites. Male broiler chicks (Ross) were randomly assigned to one of four experimental groups. Control or low temperature groups were fed a standard commercial diet with (200 mg Vitamin E/kg) or without supplemental vitamin E from 0 to 6 week of age. Low rearing temperature caused growth depression and induced the development of ascites syndrome as indicated by clinical signs and higher hemotocrit level, RV/TV ratio, and serum Troponin-T level. Ascitic broilers exhibited significantly lower SOD, CAT and GSH-Px activities, and higher MDA level suggesting the presence of oxidative stress. In spite of some decrease in ascites-induced mortality, dietary vitamin E supplementation could not improve growth performance and was not effective in protecting tissues from oxidative damage.