Impact of poultry oil supplementation on liver health and fatty liver syndrome in caged layers

Abstract

Poultry oil is commonly used as a cost-effective energy source in poultry feed. However, when used at higher levels, raw poultry oil has been found to have adverse effects on the liver of birds. Unfortunately, many poultry farmers remain unaware of these harmful effects. The objective of this experiment was to investigate how poultry oil impacts liver health and contributes to fatty liver syndrome in layers. Using a completely randomized design, 120 Lohmann Single Comb (LSL-Lite) layers (25- week-old) were randomly assigned to 4 experimental groups, each of which had 30 birds. Increasing amounts of poultry oil (0, 1.5, 3.0 and 4.5%) were used in experimental diets. Hens were fed these experimental diets for 20 weeks. The results showed maximum liver fat percentage in 4.5% poultry oil in diet, severe liver congestion, degeneration and cell necrosis in caged layers. Plasma lipid profile (cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides) and liver enzymes (AST, ALT, ALP and LDH) were significantly (p<0.05) affected by poultry oil addition. Higher liver scores indicative of fatty liver syndrome was observed in layers receiving 4.5% poultry oil, while the control group showed the lowest incidence. This study indicated that poultry oil dietary addition at a higher level (4.5%) lead to an increased serum lipid profile and has a negative impact on liver health, ultimately causing fatty liver syndrome in caged layers