Effects of milk thistle (Silybum marianum) on production performance, carcass characteristics, biochemical parameters and blood antioxidant status, immune system, sensory and taste traits and fatty acid profile of meat in broiler chickens

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research Article (Regular Paper)

Authors

Department of Animal Science, Ra.C., Islamic Azad University, Rasht, Iran

Abstract

Optimal use of edible plants such as milk thistle (Silybum marianum) as a supplement and for enrichment of the diet to help improve performance and health is a low-risk and acceptable strategy in poultry nutrition, since these herbal plants contain bioactive compounds that can improve animal performance. The present study examined the potential benefits of this strategy for broiler chickens. After analyzing the nutrient and micronutrient composition of the supplement, the experiments were conducted as a completely randomized design including three milk thistle inclusions at levels of 0, 1.5 and 3%, each treatment containing 5 replicates of 10 birds each. Performance data from 1 to 11 days and from 22 to 42 days of age showed that the lowest and best conversion rate at 1.5% dietary level (P<0.05). Significant improvements from milk thistle feeding were detected in blood biochemical and antioxidant status for glucose, cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), atherogenic index, triglycerides, albumin, protein, phosphorus, iron, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), malondialdehyde (MDA), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Overall, the results showed that milk thistle feeding was effective in improving blood and meat health status while increasing the performance with the potential to be commercially effective in functional poultry diets. This study demonstrated that the optimum levels of dietary Silybum marianum may create constructive effects on performance, health and meat quality for broiler farmers.

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References

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Journal of Livestock Science and Technologies

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 11 March 2026

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