Effects of dietary supplementation of trans-anethole on the intestinal antioxidant status, immune function, and liver lipid metabolism in broilers

This study was aimed to investigate the effects of trans-anethole (TA) on intestinal antioxidant status, immune function and liver lipid metabolism in broilers. A total of 256 1-day-old Arbour Acres broilers were allocated to 4 treatment groups with 8 birds per replicate. TA was added to diets at a concentration of 0 (control), 400, 600, and 800 mg/kg for 42 days. Dietary supplementation of TA increased the average daily feed intake (ADFI) of birds throughout the entire period. TA supplemented at 400 mg/kg of diet contributed to the lowest jejunal and ileal malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration on d 42, and the highest ileal total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) activity on d 21 and d 42. TA supplementation at the concentration of 400 and 600 mg/kg of diet increased mRNA expression of ileal interleukin (IL)-4 on d 21, and intestinal secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) concentration on d 42. Supplementation of TA at the concentration up to 800 mg/kg of diet had adverse effects on intestinal antioxidant status, immune function and liver lipid metabolism compared with control group. Differently, TA supplemented at 400 mg/kg led to lower mRNA expression of liver ACC1, FASN, sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1c (SREBP-1), and higher CPT1 on d 42. In conclusion, TA inclusion improved intestinal antioxidant status and immune function, and enhanced liver lipid metabolism of broilers.HIGHLIGHTS Supplementation of 400 mg/kg of TA increased intestinal antioxidant status and immune function, and promoted liver lipid metabolism of broilers compared with non-supplemented group