HEPATIC RESPONSE IN THREE CHICKEN BREEDS TO AIR POLLUTANTS: PROTECTIVE ROLE OF VITAMIN C SUPPLEMENTATION

Abstract

This study examined the protective effects of Vitamin C supplementation on hepatic function indices in three chicken breeds: FUNAAB Alpha (FAC), Ross 308 broilers (BRO), and Nigerian Light local chicken Ecotype from Niger Delta (ND) raised under controlled exposure to crude oil polluted environment. The experiment involved 216 chickens divided into exposed and unexposed groups. Exposure to hydrocarbons disrupted liver enzymes and protein metabolites suggesting risk to organ dysfunction across all breeds. Remarkably, Vitamin C supplementation decreased the levels of Aspartate aminotransferase, Alanine aminotransferase and Alkaline phosphate with noticeable percentages ranging from 0.36-25.82% across all the breeds, underscoring its antioxidant role in supporting liver’. Notably, the FAC and ND chickens exhibited higher resilience to hydrocarbon toxicity. The study highlights the significance of dietary Vitamin C in mitigating environmental pollution's effects on poultry, with implications for enhancing poultry health and production in hydrocarbon exposed regions like the Niger Delta region of Nigeria.