The aim of the study was to determine the effect of dietary supplementation of organic acids on the performance, gut health and carcass characteristics of broiler chicken. Results indicated that the birds fed diets supplemented with organic acids showed significantly (p<0.05) higher body weight gains and feed conversion ratio. Maximum improvement was achieved in the group fed 3% fumaric acid in the diet. Differences in the cumulative feed consumption were non-significant (p>0.05) among all the treatment groups. Addition of organic acids in broiler diets increased the villus height in all the segments of small intestines but the differences were non-significant (p>0.05) in case of ileum. No effect (p>0.05) on carcass characteristics was observed among all treatments except for length and weight of small intestines which were significantly (p<0.05) increased in the groups fed supplemental organic acids.

Among the heavy metal poisonings, lead is considered as a major toxic metal causing hematological, neurological, immunological, hepatic, and renal dysfunctions. Lead causes inhibition of ALAD leading to the ALA accumulation inside the cells. Lead also leads to disruption of the anti-oxidative enzyme system, organ function, and lipid membranes of the cell causing oxidative stress. Zingerone, a phenolic alkanone, is an active edible ingredient present in the ginger that possess varied pharmacological properties. The aim of our study was to evaluate the protective effect of zingerone in lead-induced toxicity in wistar rats. ALAD concentration was improved in kidney and liver tissues treated with zingerone. Protective effect of zingerone was observed in terms of significant improvement in kidney and liver histology, anti-oxidant enzyme activity (CAT, SOD, GPx, and GR), organ function parameters, lipid profile, and decreased level of LPO. Therefore, zingerone pretreatment can be a promising agent for alleviation of lead-induced oxidative damage in cells. Practical applications Published reports have revealed that consumption of certain bioactive nutrients for example, flavonoids, mineral elements, and vitamins can offer defense from the environmental lead contamination. Zingerone is a strong anti-oxidant, with very less side effects and has exceptional property of scavenging free radicals, hence reducing the oxidative stresses. This fundamental property of zingerone can alone help in countering the heavy metal toxicity. Different groups have published reported numerous properties of zingerone but as per our understanding till date no study about alleviation of lead toxicity by zingerone in animal model has been undertaken. Hence, we conducted this research to explore the preventive effect of zingerone in lead induced kidney and liver toxicity. The outcome of our study shows potent anti-oxidant effect and ALAD modulatory property of zingerone which makes it suitable edible candidate for use in countering lead toxicity.

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