In the pursuit of enhancing poultry production, a groundbreaking study led by Haitong Zhao, from Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Animal Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, has uncovered the multifaceted benefits of chlorogenic acid (CGA) supplementation in late-peak laying hens. The research, published in the Italian Journal of Animal Science, offers insights that could revolutionize the poultry industry and potentially impact the energy sector.
The study, which spanned twelve weeks, involved 240 Hy-Line Brown laying hens randomly divided into four groups, each receiving different doses of CGA—0, 400, 600, and 800 mg/kg. The results were striking. Hens supplemented with 600 and 800 mg/kg of CGA showed significant improvements in egg production rates and average egg weight. “We observed a notable increase in egg production and quality,” Zhao stated, highlighting the practical implications of the findings. “This could lead to more efficient and profitable poultry farming practices.”
Beyond mere productivity, the study delved into the intricacies of egg quality. The Haugh unit, a measure of egg freshness, and albumen height were significantly enhanced in the CGA-supplemented groups. Additionally, the yolks of these eggs boasted elevated levels of lutein, a compound known for its antioxidant properties. “The improvements in egg quality parameters suggest that CGA not only boosts production but also enhances the nutritional value of the eggs,” Zhao explained.
The antioxidant capacity of the hens was another area of focus. CGA supplementation significantly reduced serum hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde levels, indicating a robust antioxidant effect. This was further supported by the upregulation of hepatic Nrf2 and SOD2 genes, which are crucial for antioxidant defense, and the downregulation of Keap1, a gene that inhibits Nrf2. The findings suggest that CGA could be a potent tool in mitigating oxidative stress in poultry, a factor that often hampers productivity and health.
The research also shed light on liver lipid metabolism, a critical aspect of poultry health. CGA supplementation at 600 and 800 mg/kg significantly decreased serum triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (T-CHO), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels, along with liver TG and T-CHO levels. This was accompanied by a reduction in hepatocyte lipid droplet levels and a notable shift in gene expressions related to fatty acid synthesis and oxidation. “The ability of CGA to reduce liver lipid accumulation by inhibiting fatty acid synthesis and promoting fatty acid oxidation is a game-changer,” Zhao emphasized. “It opens up new avenues for managing metabolic disorders in poultry and potentially in other livestock.”
The implications of these findings extend beyond the poultry industry. The improved efficiency and health of laying hens could lead to reduced feed costs and increased profitability, which in turn could alleviate some of the financial burdens on farmers. This could also have a ripple effect on the energy sector, as more efficient farming practices could reduce the overall energy demand for poultry production. The study, published in the Italian Journal of Animal Science, known in English as the ‘Italian Journal of Animal Science’, provides a comprehensive roadmap for future research and practical applications. As the poultry industry continues to evolve, the integration of CGA supplementation could be a pivotal step towards sustainable and efficient farming practices. The study’s results suggest that a dietary supplement of 600–800 mg/kg CGA is optimal under the current experimental conditions, offering a clear pathway for implementation.