Effects of Dietary Sandarac (Tetraclinis articulata) Powder Supplementation on Growth Performance, Physiological Responses, Intestinal Histomorphology, and Oxidative Status of Heat-Stressed Broiler Chickens
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.48165/ijapm.2026.42.03.08Keywords:
Sandarac powder, broiler chickens, productive performance, oxidative stress, antioxidantsAbstract
This study was conducted at the Poultry Research Unit, Department of Animal Production, College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences, University of Baghdad, Iraq, from 10 May to 14 June 2024. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation with different levels of Sandarac (Tetraclinis articulata) powder on growth performance, carcass characteristics, serum biochemical parameters, and oxidative stress biomarkers of broiler chickens reared under heat stress conditions. A total of 180 one-day-old unsexed Ross 308 broiler chicks were randomly allocated to three dietary treatments, each comprising 60 chicks with four replicates of 15 chicks each. The dietary treatments consisted of G1, a basal diet without supplementation (control); G2, the basal diet supplemented with 0.1% Sandarac powder; and G3, the basal diet supplemented with 0.2% Sandarac powder. Birds were reared under identical management conditions for 35 days. The results demonstrated that dietary supplementation with Sandarac powder significantly improved growth performance. Broilers fed the 0.2% Sandarac diet (G3) exhibited the highest (P ≤ 0.01) final body weight and cumulative weight gain at 35 days of age, followed by those in G2, compared with the control group. Birds in G3 also recorded significantly higher (P ≤ 0.05) total feed intake and live body weight at slaughter. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) was significantly improved (P ≤ 0.05) during the finisher period (35 days), whereas cumulative feed conversion ratio was not significantly affected by dietary treatments. No significant differences were observed in dressing percentage or in the relative weights of the liver, gizzard, and spleen. However, significant differences (P ≤ 0.05) were detected in the relative weights of the heart and the bursa of Fabricius among the experimental groups. Dietary supplementation with 0.2% Sandarac powder significantly reduced (P ≤ 0.05) serum triglyceride and very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) concentrations, while other serum biochemical parameters and liver functions were not significantly affected. Regarding oxidative stress biomarkers, Sandarac supplementation significantly reduced (P ≤ 0.01) malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations in both supplemented groups compared with the control. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was significantly increased in both supplemented groups, with the highest activity observed in G2, whereas reduced glutathione (GSH) concentration was significantly increased only in G3. Catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities were not significantly affected by the dietary treatments. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with 0.2% Sandarac (Tetraclinis articulata) powder enhanced growth performance, improved antioxidant status by reducing lipid peroxidation and increasing glutathione concentration, and favorably modulated lipid metabolism in broiler chickens reared under heat stress conditions. These findings indicate that Sandarac powder could be considered a promising natural phytogenic feed additive for improving broiler productivity under heat stress.
References
Abd El-Hack, M. E., El-Saadony, M. T., Salem, H. M., El-Tahan, A. M., Soliman, M. M., Youssef, G. B. A., Taha, A. E., Soliman, S. M., Ahmed, A. E., El-Kott, A. F., Al Syaad, K. M., & Swelum, A. A. (2022). Alternatives to antibiotics for organic poultry production: Types, modes of action and impacts on bird’s health and production. Poultry Science, 101(4), 101696. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psj.2022.101696
Aviagen. (2022). Ross 308 and Ross 308 FF broiler: Performance objectives. Aviagen Group.
Abd El-Hack, M. E., El-Saadony, M. T., Shafi, M. E., Qattan, S. Y. A., Batiha, G. E., Khafaga, A. F., Abdel-Moneim, A. M. E., & Alagawany, M. (2020). Probiotics in poultry feed: A comprehensive review. Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition, 104(6), 1835–1850. https://doi.org/10.1111/jpn.13454
Alagawany, M., Elnesr, S. S., Farag, M. R., Abd El-Hack, M. E., Khafaga, A. F., Tiwari, R., Yatoo, M. I., Bhatt, P., Marappan, G., & Dhama, K. (2021). Potential role of important nutraceuticals in poultry performance and health: A comprehensive review. Research in Veterinary Science, 137, 9–29. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rvsc.2021.04.009
Al-Baidhani, A. K. M., Humam, A. M., Al-Mashhadani, H. A., Al-Hammed, S. A. M., Joodi, A. A., & Abd Al-Razak, N. Z. (2025). Effect of supplementation with different levels of kiwi juice-fermented barley in broiler diets on growth performance, physiological traits, gut microbiota and liver enzyme activity. IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 1487(1), 012170. https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/1487/1/012170
El-Saadony, M. T., Saad, A. M., Yang, T., Salem, H. M., Korma, S. A., Ahmed, A. E., Mosa, W. F. A., Abd El-Mageed, T. A., Selim, S., Al Jaouni, S. K., Zaghloul, R. A., Abd El-Hack, M. E., El-Tarabily, K. A., & Ibrahim, S. A. (2023). Avian campylobacteriosis, prevalence, sources, hazards, antibiotic resistance, poultry meat contamination, and control measures: A comprehensive review. Poultry Science, 102(9), 102786. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psj.2023.102786
Asbabou, A., Hanane, T., Gourich, A. A., Siddique, F., Drioiche, A., Remok, F., Saidi, S., Adadi, I., Khamar, H., Almaary, K. S., Mekonnen, A. B., Bourhia, M., Bouzoubaa, A., & Zair, T. (2024). Phytochemical profile, physicochemical, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of Juniperus phoenicea and Tetraclinis articulata: In vitro and in silico approaches. Frontiers in Chemistry, 12, 1397961. https://doi.org/10.3389/fchem.2024.1397961
Awad, W. A., Ghareeb, K., Abdel-Raheem, S., & Böhm, J. (2009). Effects of dietary inclusion of probiotic and synbiotic on growth performance, organ weights, and intestinal histomorphology of broiler chickens. Poultry Science, 88(1), 49–56. https://doi.org/10.3382/ps.2008-00244
Bancroft, J. D., & Gamble, M. (Eds.). (2008). Theory and practice of histological techniques (6th ed.). Churchill Livingstone/Elsevier.
Biswas, S., Ahn, J. M., & Kim, I. H. (2024). Assessing the potential of phytogenic feed additives: A comprehensive review on their effectiveness as a potent dietary enhancement for nonruminant in swine and poultry. Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition, 108(3), 711–723. https://doi.org/10.1111/jpn.13922
Brenes, A., & Roura, E. (2010). Essential oils in poultry nutrition: Main effects and modes of action. Animal Feed Science and Technology, 158(1–2), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2010.03.007
Brake, J., Havenstein, G. B., Scheideler, S. E., Ferket, P. R., & Rives, D. V. (1993). Relationship of sex, age, and body weight to broiler carcass yield and offal production. Poultry Science, 72(6), 1137–1145. https://doi.org/10.3382/ps.0721137
Brugaletta, G., Teyssier, J.-R., Rochell, S. J., Dridi, S., & Sirri, F. (2022). A review of heat stress in chickens. Part I: Insights into physiology and gut health. Frontiers in Physiology, 13, 934381. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2022.934381
Cappuccino, J. G., & Welsh, C. T. (2017). Microbiology: A laboratory manual (11th ed.). Pearson.
Gadde, U., Kim, W. H., Oh, S. T., & Lillehoj, H. S. (2017). Alternatives to antibiotics for maximizing growth performance and feed efficiency in poultry: A review. Animal Health Research Reviews, 18(1), 26–45. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1466252316000207
Hashemi, S. R., & Davoodi, H. (2011). Herbal plants and their derivatives as growth and health promoters in animal nutrition. Veterinary Research Communications, 35(3), 169–180. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11259-010-9458-2
Joodi, A. A., Bandr, L. K., Al-Baidhani, A. K. M., Al-Mashhadani, H. A., Salman, A. A., & Al-Himdany, H. Q. (2025). Using Artemia parthenogenetica powder in broiler diets on some physiological and oxidation indicators. Diyala Agricultural Sciences Journal, 17(2), 127–139. https://doi.org/10.52951/dasj.25170209
Kaneko, J. J., Harvey, J. W., & Bruss, M. L. (Eds.). (2008). Clinical biochemistry of domestic animals (6th ed.). Academic Press/Elsevier.
Khatib, S., Mahdi, I., Drissi, B., Fahsi, N., Bouissane, L., & Sobeh, M. (2024). Tetraclinis articulata (Vahl) Mast.: Volatile constituents, antioxidant, antidiabetic and wound-healing activities of its essential oil. Heliyon, 10(3), e24563. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e24563
Khatib, S., Sobeh, M., & Bouissane, L. (2022). Tetraclinis articulata (Vahl) Masters: An insight into its ethnobotany, phytochemistry, toxicity, biocide and therapeutic merits. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 13, 977726. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2022.977726
Page, C. N. (2024). Tetraclinis. In Evolution of the arborescent gymnosperms. Cambridge University Press.
Touaf, M., Echogdali, F. Z., Abioui, M., et al. (2026). Resilience and threshold-like behavior of Moroccan Tetraclinis articulata (Vahl) Mast. ecosystems under four decades of climate warming. Atmosphere, 17(2), 161. https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos17020161
Lara, L. J., & Rostagno, M. H. (2013). Impact of heat stress on poultry production. Animals, 3(2), 356–369. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani3020356
Leeson, S., & Summers, J. D. (2005). Commercial poultry nutrition (3rd ed.). University Books.
Liu, G., Zhu, H., Ma, T., Yan, Z., Zhang, Y., Geng, Y., Zhu, Y., & Shi, Y. (2020). Effect of chronic cyclic heat stress on the intestinal morphology, oxidative status and cecal bacterial communities in broilers. Journal of Thermal Biology, 91, 102619. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtherbio.2020.102619
Mnisi, C. M., et al. (2023). Antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of selected phytogenics for sustainable poultry production. Applied Sciences, 13(1), 99. https://doi.org/10.3390/app13010099
Ncho, C. M. (2025). Heat stress and the chicken gastrointestinal microbiota: A systematic review. Journal of Animal Science and Biotechnology, 16, 85. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40104-025-01225-6
Oni, A. I., & Oke, O. E. (2025). Gut health modulation through phytogenics in poultry: Mechanisms, benefits, and applications. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 12, 1616734. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2025.1616734
Oni, A. I., Adeleye, O. O., Adebowale, T. O., & Oke, O. E. (2024). The role of phytogenic feed additives in stress mitigation in broiler chickens. Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition, 108(1), 81–98. https://doi.org/10.1111/jpn.13869
Ren, X., et al. (2023). Effects of dietary supplementation with microencapsulated Galla chinensis tannins on growth performance, antioxidant capacity, and lipid metabolism of young broiler chickens. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 10, 1259142. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2023.1259142
Salem, N., Boulares, M., Zarrouk, Y., Kammoun, S., Essid, R., & Jemai, M. (2023). Preservation of poultry meat using Tetraclinis articulata essential oil during refrigerated storage. Food Science and Technology International, 29(7), 696–709. https://doi.org/10.1177/10820132221108710
Surai, P. F. (2020). Antioxidants in poultry nutrition and reproduction: An update. Antioxidants, 9(2), 105. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox9020105
Surai, P. F., Kochish, I. I., Fisinin, V. I., & Kidd, M. T. (2019). Antioxidant defence systems and oxidative stress in poultry biology: An update. Antioxidants, 8(7), 235. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox8070235
Thrall, M. A., Weiser, G., Allison, R. W., & Campbell, T. W. (2012). Veterinary hematology and clinical chemistry (2nd ed.). Wiley-Blackwell.
Urban, J., Kareem, K. Y., Matuszewski, A., Bień, D., Lutostański, K., Ciborowska, P., & Michalczuk, M. (2025). Enhancing broiler chicken health and performance: The impact of phytobiotics on growth, gut microbiota, antioxidants, and immunity. Phytochemistry Reviews, 24, 2131–2145. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11101-024-09994-0
Windisch, W., Schedle, K., Plitzner, C., & Kroismayr, A. (2008). Use of phytogenic products as feed additives for swine and poultry. Journal of Animal Science, 86(Suppl. 14), E140–E148. https://doi.org/10.2527/jas.2007-0459
Xu, H., et al. (2023). Effects of tannic acid supplementation on the intestinal health, immunity and antioxidant function of broilers challenged with necrotic enteritis. Antioxidants, 12(7), 1476. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox12071476
Otto, P. H., Ahmed, M. U., Hotzel, H., Machnowska, P., Reetz, J., Roth, B., & Trojnar, E. (2015). Avian rotavirus enteritis—An updated review. Avian Pathology, 44(5), 377–385. https://doi.org/10.1080/03079457.2015.1046014
Yuan, P., et al. (2023). Effects of dietary Galla chinensis tannin supplementation on antioxidant capacity and intestinal microbiota composition in broilers. Agriculture, 13(9), 1780. https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13091780
Quinn, P. J., Markey, B. K., Leonard, F. C., FitzPatrick, E. S., Fanning, S., & Hartigan, P. J. (2011). Veterinary microbiology and microbial disease (2nd ed.). Wiley-Blackwell.
Duncan, D. B. (1955). Multiple range and multiple F tests. Biometrics, 11(1), 1–42. https://doi.org/10.2307/3001478
SAS Institute. (2018). SAS/STAT user’s guide (Version 9.6). SAS Institute Inc.
Song, J., Xiao, K., Ke, Y. L., Jiao, L. F., Hu, C. H., Diao, Q. Y., Shi, B., & Zou, X. T. (2014). Effect of a probiotic mixture on intestinal microflora, morphology, and barrier integrity of broiler chickens subjected to heat stress. Poultry Science, 93(3), 581–588. https://doi.org/10.3382/ps.2013-03455
