Sulforaphane as a Feed Additive: Histopathological and Immunomodulatory Effects in Broiler Chickens

Suleyman, Mahmoud M

doi:10.21608/asejaiqjsae.2025.445013

Sulforaphane as a Feed Additive: Histopathological and Immunomodulatory Effects in Broiler Chickens

Document Type : Original Article

Author

Mahmoud M Suleyman

Research at the Regional Center for Food and Feed, Agricultural Research Center, Ministry of Agriculture, Egypt.

10.21608/asejaiqjsae.2025.445013

Abstract

The poultry industry faces significant challenges due to oxidative stress, immune suppression, and hepatotoxicity caused by aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁) contamination in feed. This study investigated the protective effects of sulforaphane (SFN), a bioactive compound derived from cruciferous vegetables, against AFB₁-induced toxicity in broiler chicks. A total of 100 one-day-old Cobb 500 broilers were randomly assigned to five dietary treatments: negative control (AFB₁-free), positive control (1 mg/kg diet AFB₁), and three SFN-supplemented groups (AFB₁ + 10, 20, or 30 mg/kg diet SFN). Histopathological, immunological, and serum biochemical analyses were conducted on day 42.
Results demonstrated that AFB₁ exposure induced severe hepatic damage, evidenced by elevated serum SGOT (128.60 ± 2.82 U/L) and SGPT (92.40 ± 2.12 U/L) levels, vacuolation, and necrosis (pathology score: 2.80 ± 0.095). SFN supplementation, particularly at 30 mg/kg, significantly reduced liver enzyme levels (SGOT: 68.40 ± 1.17 U/L; SGPT: 42.30 ± 1.01 U/L) and restored near-normal hepatic architecture (pathology score: 0.60 ± 0.032) compared to the positive control. SFN also attenuated AFB₁-induced intestinal villus atrophy, with SFN30 restoring 92% of normal morphology. Immunologically, SFN dose-dependently suppressed pro-inflammatory interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels (SFN30: 19.60 ± 0.54 pg/mL vs. positive control: 42.70 ± 1.11 pg/mL) and enhanced splenic follicular hyperplasia, indicating improved humoral immunity.
These findings highlight SFN’s dual role as a hepatoprotection and immunomodulator in broiler chicks, mediated through the activation of the Nrf₂-ARE pathway and the inhibition of NF-κB. The study recommends 20–30 mg/kg SFN supplementation to mitigate AFB₁ toxicity, offering a natural alternative to synthetic growth promoters in poultry production.

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