Effect of dietary inclusion of artichoke (Cynara scolymus) leaf powder and astaxanthin on productive performance, hematological and biochemical profiles, hepatic and antioxidant enzyme activities, and gut microbiota in broiler chickens

Abstract

Recognizing the growing demand for sustainable and natural alternatives in poultry production, this study evaluated the effects of dietary inclusion of artichoke ( Cynara scolymus ) leaf powder (ALP) and astaxanthin on growth performance, hematological and biochemical profiles, hepatic and antioxidant enzyme activities, and gut microbiota in broiler chickens. A total of 1,080 one-day-old Ross 308 broiler chicks were randomly assigned to nine dietary treatments (six replicates each) for 35 days: a control diet (T1) received basal diet without additives; T2 and T3: 60 and 120 mg astaxanthin/kg feed; T4 and T5: 1 and 2 g ALP/kg feed; T6: 60 mg astaxanthin + 1 g ALP/kg feed; T7: 60 mg astaxanthin + 2 g ALP/kg feed; T8: 120 mg astaxanthin + 1 g ALP/kg feed; T9: 120 mg astaxanthin + 2 g ALP/kg feed. The results showed that the groups fed T2 and T6 significantly enhanced growth performance, increasing live body weight (LBW, p < 0.01) and body weight gain (BWG, p < 0.01) while reducing feed conversion ratio (FCR, p < 0.01). The groups receiving T2, T6, and T9 lowered heterophil counts and heterophil/lymphocyte (H/L) ratios (p < 0.01). The T4 group reduced cholesterol (p < 0.01), while groups receiving T4, T5, T8, and T9 decreased uric acid levels (p < 0.01). Total protein increased in the T5 and T6 groups (p < 0.01). Antioxidant enzyme activities improved, with elevated glutathione peroxidase (GPX) in all supplemented groups, particularly T9 group (p < 0.01), and increased catalase (CAT) in broilers fed T6 and T7 (p < 0.05). All supplemented groups reduced E. coli (p < 0.05) and increased Lactobacillus counts in the cecum (p < 0.01). In conclusion, astaxanthin and ALP supplementation, particularly 60 mg astaxanthin with 1 g ALP (T6), enhanced broiler growth, antioxidant status, metabolic health, and gut microbiota.