Investigating the Impact of Dietary Supplementation on mRNA Expression of Growth-Related Peptides and Gut Health in Broilers
Investigating the Impact of Dietary Supplementation on mRNA Expression of Growth-Related Peptides and Gut Health in Broilers
Hakeem J. Kadhim1*, Iman J. Hasan2
ABSTRACT
The use of antibiotics for non-therapeutic purposes has been prohibited in poultry production. Recent studies have suggested that turmeric could serve as a potential alternative to antibiotics in promoting growth in chickens. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the effects of turmeric supplementation on the gene expression of growth-related peptide and mucin2, an indicator of intestinal health, in broilers. We added two percentages of turmeric (0.5% and 1%) to the standard diet, categorizing them as turmeric 0.5% and turmeric 1%, and compared the results with the control group (turmeric 0.0%). Gene expression analysis was conducted anterior pituitary (APit): liver, and intestine. The results showed that body weight gain was higher in the turmeric-treated groups, and feed conversion ratio was improved significantly, indicating that turmeric is more efficient in converting feed into body mass. Analysis of gene expression by RT-qPCR revealed an increase in mucin2 gene expression in the turmeric-treated groups, suggesting an enhancement of gut health. Furthermore, the study found overexpression of the growth hormone (GH) and thyroid-stimulating hormone mRNA expression in the APit. In the liver, an increase in the mRNA expression of the GH receptor in the turmeric-treated groups could facilitate GH action on hepatocytes, leading to an increase in the gene expression of insulin-like growth factors and their binding proteins, which supports muscle cell differentiation and proliferation. Data suggested that turmeric might stimulate myoblast differentiation and satellite cell proliferation to increase muscular growth. In summary, turmeric addition promoted body growth by activating certain genes and inhibiting others. This effect could be due to an increase in the expression of genes that drive muscle cell proliferation. Finally, turmeric enhances gut health through the mucin2 gene.
Keywords | Growth hormone, TSH, Mucin2, Insulin-like growth factor, RT-PCR, Body weight
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