The effects of hepatoprotectors on the hepatic histology and functionality in broilers
The effects of two different hepatoprotectors on growth efficiency and hepatic histology and functionality in broilers (new Smena cross, 35 birds per treatment, 1-35 days of age) were studied. Control treatment 1 was fed standard diets, control treatment 2 and all other treatments were fed diets with increased level of crude fat; treatments 3-6 were additionally fed dietary supplements of milk thistle flour (500; 1,000; 1,500 and 2,000 ppm, respectively); drinking water for treatments 7 and 8 at 14-21 and 21-28 days of age, respectively, was supplemented with a hepatoprotective complex of amino acids and vitamins (1 tablet per 1,000 L). Growth efficiency and condition of liver at 35 days (visually and by histological examination) were determined. It was found that dose of milk thistle 1,500 ppm and supplementation of water with the second hepatoprotector at 14-21 days resulted in normal hepatic functionality and improved growth efficiency.