Effect of Coenzyme Q10 for Reduction of Ascites in Broilers

Dr. Puja Hazra, Technical Manager (Trainee), Tresbien Biosynth

Introduction

Coenzyme Q (2, 3-dimethoxy, 5-methyl, 6-polyisoprene parabenzoquinone, ubiquinone) is a naturally occurring lipophilic antioxidant, present in mitochondria of all body cells., which is associated with effective oxygen utilization by electron transport chain . The mitochondria of Ascites prone birds lack efficient electron transport chain system, have lower respiratory control (RCR) and ADP:O ratios. There is a huge scope of reducing Ascites mortality by supplementation of Coenzyme Q₁₀ .

Ascites is most prevalent in fast growing male broilers grown at high altitude and subjected to a degree of cold stress; but nowadays Ascites can be seen at any altitude, commonly seen in 4-5 weeks of age. In extreme situations, up to 8% mortality can be seen.

Ascites: Metabolic Disease

Ascites is more associated with broilers fed pelleted feed compared to those given a mix of pellets and/or crumble alone. This is because broilers fed pellets have greater feed intake per unit of time leading to higher growth rate than other forms. Rapid growth rate is associated with subsequent rapid increase of muscle mass (particularly breast muscle) and higher metabolic rate with  higher oxygen demand. But this rapid increase of muscle mass in modern broilers has not been accompanied by a proportional increase in supply organs such as heart and lung. As a compensatory mechanism, cardiac output increases to push more oxygenated blood toward tissues leading to right ventricular hyperplasia and pulmonary hypertension. However, with extensive hypertrophy, effectiveness of A-V valve reduces, contraction of heart not only increases pulmonary arterial pressure but also causes back pressure to venous system and especially towards liver. Transudate accumulated in the abdomen is plasma that has seeped from liver, leading to water belly. Right and left AV valve regurgitation along with pulmonary vascular remodelling characterised by arterial medial thickening are important pathological features of Ascites.

Mitochondrial function is found to be less efficient to use oxygen in broilers with Ascites than healthy birds. ETC system protein are expressed in higher level in resistant line bird without Ascites than resistant line bird with Ascites or in susceptible birds with or without Ascites.

Supplementation of vitamin C and CoQ₁₀ in diets of broilers under cold stress conditions resulted in improved performance parameters (body weight and FCR) and Ascites related traits. Vitamin E vitamin C CoQ₁₀ and other antioxidants have beneficial effects as they scavenge free radicals. (Gupta, 2011, Ruiz-Feria, 2009).

Hypoxic conditions in Ascites increases the production of uric acid. Accumulation of transudate in abdominal cavity can also lead to kidney failure.  Ascites in initial stages can lead to symptoms of gout.

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Predisposing factors for Ascites

• Temperature

Both increase and decrease of temperature from thermoneutral zone (20˚C-26˚C) increases birds’ oxygen requirement. Low environmental temperature in high attitude is more problematic as it feed intake and increases metabolism and, therefore, oxygen
demand.  This increase in oxygen demand, coupled with the need to metabolise increased quantities of feed, often lead to Ascites.

• Health status

 Infections affecting lung and heart are likely to affect incidence of Ascites. Aspergillosis damages lung structure leading to Ascites. LPS (lipopolysaccharide) present in the cell wall of Gram-negative bacteria such as E. coli, Salmonella spp. and Campylobacter spp induces Ascites by triggering vasoconstriction, leading to pulmonary hypertension.

• Genetical correlation

Ascites is correlated with rapid growth rate. As per Lopez and Lesson, (1993) broilers hatched from young breeders are more prone to Ascites than are birds from older breeders (Table No. 1). Male broilers originated from young breeders are more prone to Ascites even though they were slightly lesser weight than birds from older breeders. They also conclude that regardless of breeders’ age or the sex of the broiler, Ascitic birds came from larger eggs and were larger chicks compared to birds who did not develop Ascites.

As per Navarro et al., 2006 blood oxygen saturation is also a potential indicator trait for breeding resistance to Ascites in poultry. They suggested that a major gene was involved in a genetic control of SaO and a low SaO allele increase susceptibility to Ascites.

• Antioxidants

An increase in antioxidant profile of the bird maybe a defence against Ascites. Research has demonstrated that mitochondrial dysfunction is associated with oxidative stress and can be attenuated by high dietary supplementation of vitamin E and vitamin C.

As per Geng et al. (2007), supplementation of CoQ₁₀ with L-carnitine had positive effects upon blood parameter and immune status of broilers susceptible to Ascites. Malonaldehyde content of the blood ( an indicator of oxidative stress) was decreased by CoQ₁₀ with L-carnitine supplementation. These effects are due to reduction in erythrocyte osmotic fragility, reduction in Ascites heart index, improved hepatic mitochondrial function, improved ETC enzyme activity and mitochondrial antioxidant capability.

• Ammonia and Dust

Dust and a level of 25 ppm ammonia can lead to damage of alveoli, interfere with gaseous exchange leading to Ascites.

• Sodium level

High level of sodium can also induce Ascites in broilers which is also called salt toxicity. Sodium causes expansion of RBC  leading to higher blood pressure due to resistance to flow through lung capillaries.

• Prebiotic

 Prebiotic enhances gastrointestinal efficiency, reduces oxygen demand of GIT  and reduces chances of Ascites development.

Preventive Protocol

• Feeding management – Ascites can be greatly managed by reducing energy density of feed and feed restriction. Use of mash feed rather than pelleted feed reduces chances of Ascites.Limit Na level to 0.19% in diet.

As  excess CP in diet needs to converted into uric acid and needs to be excreted from the body, it increases oxygen demand, another important aspect to manage Ascites is to reduce the CP% of feed by addition of amino acid to diet.

Consider skipping a day feeding and limited time feeding (8-10 hour in each day). Proper water management should be followed. Addition of antioxidant like ASCITI-Q₁₀^TM (vitamin E, vitamin C, CoQ₁₀) prevents chances of Ascites with following benefits :

• Prevents & controls metabolic Ascites in fast growing broilers
• Prevents SDS induced mortality in broilers
• Helps in successful brooding
• Improves FCR
• Helps in proper functioning of heart and lungs so boosts internal vitality

Ascites in initial stages can lead to symptoms of Gout

Uric acid is the end product of protein metabolism in poultry. Any infectious, metabolic or managemental causes that lead to kidney damage, interfere with uric acid excretion from body. The uric acid subsequently precipitates as calcium-sodium- urate crystals in a variety of locations, particularly in the kidneys and on the serous membranes of the liver, heart, air sacs and joints. This condition is called Gout.Blood levels of uric acid can be as high as 44mg/100ml in Gout as compared to 5-7mg/100ml in a normal bird.

Factors influencing Gout are:

Minerals: Ca:P ratio- Excess dietary calcium with low available phosphorus results in precipitation of calcium-sodium-urate crystals. Phosphorus acts as urine acidifier and low phosphorus aggravates the urate crystal formation.

Sodium: Excess sodium bicarbonate increases alkalinity of urine leading to kidney stone formation.

Vitamins: High levels of vitamin-D3 increases calcium absorption from the gut which promotes formation and deposition of urate crystals. Vitamin A deficiency causes sloughing of tubular epithelium and blockade resulting in accumulation of urates in the kidney.

Protein: Feed containing more than 30% of crude protein  leads to excessive uric acid production which further worsens the kidney function.

Infectious causes

Viral causes: Nephropathogenic strains of IBV and avian nephritis (ANV) and chicken astrovirus (CAstV) affect the kidneys leading to nephritis and high mortality.

Mycotoxins: Ochratoxin, citrinin cause damage to  kidney tissue, predisposing to Gout.

Managemental causes

Water deprivation and improper brooding temperature increase chances of development of Gout.

Prevention & Control of Gout

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NEPHROBIEN Forte^TM is helpful in protecting from toxins and harmful substances, strengthens the kidney, helpful in management of renal impairment, improves bile secretion, supports normal metabolism process, scavenges oxygen free radicals and helps in regulating body excretory system. The diuretic action of Crateva Nurvala (Varuna) attributes the metabolic correction of the serum and urinary electrolyte levels in experimentally induced urolithiasis in albino rats.

Benefits/Uses

• It maintains optimal kidney health, natural diuretic.
• Removes metabolic waste and excess water & washes out toxins.
• Increases immunity & prevents formation of calculi.
• Helps prevent urinary tract infections, maintains mineral balance.
• Assists in increasing bone marrow production.
• Flushes kidney to remove all kind of unwanted deposited elements.