Hostname: page-component-669899f699-7tmb6 Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2025-04-29T00:16:27.166Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false
  • English
  • Français

Gamma-aminobutyric acid augments performance of heat-stressed broiler chickens through enhancement of oxidative defence mechanism

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 February 2025

Sudipto Haldar Open the ORCID record for Sudipto Haldar [Opens in a new window] ,
Sayantani Sihi Arora ,
Anusuya Debnath  and
Amrita Kumar Dhara
Sudipto Haldar*
Affiliation:
Agrivet Research and Advisory Pvt Ltd., Kolkata, India
Sayantani Sihi Arora
Affiliation:
Agrivet Research and Advisory Pvt Ltd., Kolkata, India
Anusuya Debnath
Affiliation:
Department of Biotechnology, Brainware University, Barasat, Kolkata, India
Amrita Kumar Dhara
Affiliation:
Agrivet Research and Advisory Pvt Ltd., Kolkata, India
*
Corresponding author: Sudipto Haldar; Email: [email protected]
Get access Rights & Permissions [Opens in a new window]

Abstract

The effect of the supplementation of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a component of the neuroendocrine cascade involved in stress alleviation, was studied in broiler chickens in a heat stress model. In a 42-day feeding trial, 300 male and 300 female broiler chickens were equally distributed in an environmentally controlled and an open house (OH) according to a 2 × 2 × 3 factorial design. The diet was either devoid of GABA (0 mg/kg) or was supplemented with 60 or 120 mg/kg GABA. Zootechnical performances (1–42 days), expression of mRNA for genes coding for inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-8, TNF-α) in the spleen (24 days), oxidative regulators (Nrf-2, superoxide dismutase) in the liver (24 days) and arterial blood gas concentrations (24 days) were assessed. Whole genome sequencing of the caecal microbiome was performed for the male birds (42 days). Supplementation of GABA improved (P < 0.01) body weight and feed conversion ratio irrespective of sex and housing conditions, expression of IL-1β and IL-8 and Nrf-2 gene. GABA decreased (P < 0.05) malondialdehyde and increased (P < 0.05) glutathione peroxidase activities in serum. GABA decreased circulatory corticosterone concertation (P < 0.05). While both housing conditions benefitted from GABA, its effects were more pronounced in OH (house effect P < 0.05). GABA supplementation modulated caecal microbiota composition by increasing the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria such as Alistipes and Bacteroides, particularly in the OH environment. Overall, this study concludes that 60 mg/kg GABA supplementation improves growth performance, stress resilience and microbial composition in broiler chickens, with variable effects depending on housing conditions.

Keywords

antioxidative responsebroiler chickensGABA supplementationgut microbiomeinflammatory cytokinesstress resilience
Type
Animal Research Paper
Information
The Journal of Agricultural Science , First View , pp. 1 - 17
Check for updates
Copyright
© The Author(s), 2025. Published by Cambridge University Press

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

Article purchase

Temporarily unavailable

References

Al-Wakeel, RA, Shukry, M, Abdel, AA, Mahmoud, S and Saad, MF (2017) Alleviation by gamma amino butyric acid supplementation of chronic heat stress-induced degenerative changes in jejunum in commercial broiler chickens. Stress 20, 562–572. https://doi.org/10.1080/10253890.2017.1377177 Google Scholar
Bi, C, Yin, J, Yang, W, Shi, B and Shan, A (2020) Effects of dietary γ-aminobutyric acid supplementation on antioxidant status, blood hormones and meat quality in growing-finishing pigs undergoing transport stress. Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition 104, 590–596. https://doi.org/10.1111/jpn.13280 Google Scholar
Burkholder, KM, Thompson, KL, Einstein, ME, Applegate, J and Patterson, JA (2008) Influence of stressors on normal intestinal microbiota, intestinal morphology, and susceptibility to Salmonella enteritidis colonization in broilers. Poultry Science 87, 1734–1741. https://doi.org/10.3382/ps.2008-00107 Google Scholar
Busillo, JM, Azzam, KM, and Cidlowski, JA (2011) Glucocorticoids sensitize the innate immune system through regulation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. The Journal of Biological Chemistry 286, 38703–38713. https://doi.org/10.1074/jbc.M111.275370 Google Scholar
Chand, N, Muhammad, S, Khan, RU, Alhidary, IA and Rehman, ZU (2016) Ameliorative effect of synthetic c-aminobutyric acid (GABA) on performance traits, antioxidant status and immune response in broiler exposed to cyclic heat stress. Environmental Science and Pollution Research International 23, 23930–23935. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-016-7604-2 Google Scholar
Chen, Z, Tang, J, Sun, YQ and Xie, J (2013) Protective effect of g-aminobutyric acid on anti-oxidation function in intestinal mucosa of Wenchang chicken induced by heat stress. Journal of Animal and Plant Sciences 23, 1634–1641. https://thejaps.org.pk/docs/v-23-6/25.pdf Google Scholar
Cholewińska, P, Górniak, W and Wojnarowski, K (2021) Impact of selected environmental factors on microbiome of the digestive tract of ruminants. BMC Veterinary Research 17, 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12917-021-02742-y Google Scholar
Chrousos, GP and Gold, PW (1992) The concepts of stress and stress system disorders. Overview of physical and behavioural homeostasis. JAMA Internal Medicine 267, 1244–1252.Google Scholar
Dai, SF, Gao, F, Zhang, WH, Song, SX, Xu, XL and Zhou, GH (2011) Effects of dietary glutamine and gamma-aminobutyric acid on performance, carcass characteristics and serum parameters in broilers under circular heat stress. Animal Feed Science and Technology 168, 51–60. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2011.03.005 Google Scholar
Duthey, B, Hübner, A, Diehl, S, Boehncke, S, Pfeffer, J and Boehncke, WH (2010) Anti-inflammatory effects of the GABAB receptor agonist baclofen in allergic contact dermatitis. Experimental Dermatology 19, 661–666. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0625.2010.01076.x Google Scholar
El-Naggar, K, El-Kassas, S, Abdo, SE and Kirrella, AA (2019) Role of gamma-aminobutyric acid in regulating feed intake in commercial broilers reared under normal and heat stress conditions. Journal of Thermal Biology 84, 164–175. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtherbio.2019.07.004 Google Scholar
Fathi, M, Tanha, T, and Saeedyan, S (2022) Influence of dietary lycopene on growth performance, antioxidant status, blood parameters and mortality in broiler chicken with cold-induced ascites. Archives of Animal Nutrition 76, 50–60. https://doi.org/10.1080/1745039X.2022.2046451 Google Scholar
Fluck, E, Hogg, S, Jones, R B, Bourne, R and File, S E (1997) Changes in tonic immobility and the GABA–benzodiazepine system in response to handling in the chick. Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior 58, 269–274. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0091-3057(96)00554-0 Google Scholar
Glaser, R, and Kiecolt-Glaser, JK (2005) Stress-induced immune dysfunction: implications for health. Nature Reviews Immunology 5, 243–251. https://doi.org/10.1038/nri1571 Google Scholar
Hamiyanti, AA, Nurgiartiningsih, VMA, Muharlien, M and Suyadi, S (2023) The influence of open, semi-closed, and closed house microclimates on broiler productivity in the dry season. TERNAK TROPIKA Journal of Tropical Animal Production 24, 47–58. https://doi.org/10.21776/jtapro.2023.024.01.7 Google Scholar
Jang, IS, Ko, YH, Moon, YS and Sohn, SH (2014) Effects of vitamin C or E on the pro-inflammatory cytokines, heat shock protein 70 and antioxidant status in broiler chicks under summer conditions. Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences 27, 749–756. https://doi.org/10.5713/ajas.2013.13852 Google Scholar
Jasirwan, COM, Muradi, A, Hasan, I, Simadibrata, M and Rinaldi, I (2021) Correlation of gut Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio with fibrosis and steatosis stratified by body mass index in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Bioscience of Microbiota, Food and Health 40, 50–58. https://doi.org/10.12938/bmfh.2020-046 Google Scholar
Jeong, S, Kim, YB, Lee, JW, Kim, DH, Moon, BH, Chang, HH, Choi, YH and Lee, KW (2020) Role of dietary gamma-aminobutyric acid in broiler chickens raised under high stocking density. Animal Nutrition 6, 293–304. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aninu.2020.03.008 Google Scholar
Jonaidi, H, Babapour, V and Denbow, DM (2002) GABAergic control of food intake in the meat-type chickens. Physiology and Behavior 76, 465–468. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9384(02)00692-3 Google Scholar
Livak, KJ and Schmittgen, TD (2001) Analysis of relative gene expression data using real-time quantitative PCR and the 2− ΔΔCT method. Methods 25, 402–408. https://doi.org/10.1006/meth.2001.1262 Google Scholar
Ma, Q (2013) Role of nrf2 in oxidative stress and toxicity. Annual Review of Pharmacology and Toxicology 53, 401–426. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-pharmtox-011112-140320 Google Scholar
Mujahid, A, Yoshiki, Y, Akiba, Y and Toyomizu, M (2005) Superoxide radical production in chicken skeletal muscle induced by acute heat stress. Poultry science 84, 307–314. https://doi.org/10.1093/ps/84.2.307 Google Scholar
Park, KT, Oh, M, Joo, Y and Han, JK (2023) Effects of gamma aminobutyric acid on performance, blood cell of broiler subjected to multi-stress environments. Animal Bioscience 36, 248. https://doi.org/10.5713/ab.22.0031 Google Scholar
Pizzino, G., Irrera, N, Cucinotta, M, Pallio, G, Mannino, F, Arcoraci, V, Squadrito, F, Altavilla, D and Bitto, A (2017) Oxidative stress: harms and benefits for human health. Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, 8416763. https://doi.org/10.1155/2017/8416763 Google Scholar
Puvadolpirod, S and Thaxton, J P (2000) Model of physiological stress in chickens. 4. Digestion and metabolism. Poultry Science 79, 383–390. https://doi.org/10.1093/ps/79.3.383 Google Scholar
Quinteiro-Filho, WM, Ribeiro, A, Ferraz-de-Paula, V, Pinheiro, ML, Sakai, M, Sá, L, Ferreira, AJ and Palermo-Neto, J (2010) Heat stress impairs performance parameters, induces intestinal injury, and decreases macrophage activity in broiler chickens. Poultry Science 89, 1905–1914. https://doi.org/10.3382/ps.2010-00812 Google Scholar
Rea, K, Dinan, TG and Cryan, JF (2016). The microbiome: a key regulator of stress and neuroinflammation. Neurobiology of Stress 4, 23–33. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ynstr.2016.03.001 Google Scholar
Sahin, K, Sahin, N and Kucuk, O (2003) Effects of chromium, and ascorbic acid supplementation on growth, carcass traits, serum metabolites, and antioxidant status of broiler chickens reared at a high ambient temperature (32 C). Nutrition Research 23, 225–238. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0271-5317(02)00513-4 Google Scholar
SAS Institute (2012) User’s guide, version 12.1. Cary, NC: SAS Campus Drive.Google Scholar
Soltani, N, Qiu, H, Aleksic, M, Glinka, Y, Zhao, F, Liu, R, Li, Y, Zhang, N, Chakrabarti, R, Ng, T, Jin, T, Zhang, H, Lu, WY, Feng, ZP, Prud¢homme, GJ and Wang, Q (2011) GABA exerts protective and regenerative effects on islet beta cells and reverses diabetes. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 108, 11692–11697. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.110271510 Google Scholar
Song, J, Xiao, K, Ke, YL, Jiao, LF, Hu, CH, Diao, QY, Shi, B and Zou, XT (2014). Effect of a probiotic mixture on intestinal microflora, morphology, and barrier integrity of broilers subjected to heat stress. Poultry Science 93, 581–588. https://doi.org/10.3382/ps.2013-03455 Google Scholar
Strandwitz, P, Kim, KH, Terekhova, D, Liu, JK, Sharma, A, Levering, J, McDonald, D, Dietrich, D, Ramadhar, TR, Lekbua, A and Mroue, N (2019) GABA-modulating bacteria of the human gut microbiota. Nature Microbiology 4, 396–403. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41564-018-0307-3 Google Scholar
Strandwitz, P (2018) Neurotransmitter modulation by the gut microbiota. Brain Research 1693, 128–133. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brainres.2018.03.015 Google Scholar
Surai, PF, Kochish, II, Fisinin, VI and Kidd, MT (2019) Antioxidant defence systems and oxidative stress in poultry biology: an update. Antioxidants 8, 235. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox8070235 Google Scholar
Tian, J and Kaufman, DL (2023) The GABA and GABA-receptor system in inflammation, anti-tumor immune responses, and COVID-19. Biomedicines 11, 254. https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines11020254 Google Scholar
Ubeda, C, Bucci, V, Caballero, S, Djukovi, A, Toussaint, NC, Equinda, M, Lipuma, L, Ling, L, Gobourne, A, No, D, Taur, Y, Jeng, RR, van den Brink, MRM, Xavier, JB and Pamer, EG (2013) Intestinal microbiota containing Barnesiella species cures vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium colonization. Infection and Immunity 81, 965–973. https://doi.org/10.1128/iai.01197-12Google Scholar
Varasteh, S, Braber, S, Akbari, P, Garssen, J and Fink-Gremmels, J (2015) Differences in susceptibility to heat stress along the chicken intestine and the protective effects of galacto-oligosaccharides. PloS One 10, e0138975. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0138975 Google Scholar
Virden, WS and Kidd, MT (2009) Physiological stress in broilers: ramifications of nutrient digestibility and responses. Journal of Applied Poultry Research 18, 338–347. https://doi.org/10.3382/japr.2007-00093 Google Scholar
Wang, YY, Sun, SP, Zhu, HS, Jiao, XQ, Zhong, K, Guo, YJ, Zha, GM, Han, LQ, Yang, GY and Li, HP (2018) GABA regulates the proliferation and apoptosis of MAC-T cells through the LPS-induced TLR4 signaling pathway. Research in Veterinary Science 118, 395–402. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rvsc.2018.04.004 Google Scholar
Wasti, S, Sah, N and Mishra, B (2020) Impact of heat stress on poultry health and performances, and potential mitigation strategies. Animals (Basel) 10, 1266. doi: 10.3390/ani10081266 Google Scholar
Xie, WY, Hou, XY, Yan, FB, Sun, GR, Han, RL and Kang, XT (2013) Effect of c-aminobutyric acid on growth performance and immune function in chicks under beak trimming stress. Animal Science Journal 84, 121–129. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1740-0929.2012.01051.x Google Scholar
Yu, K, Choi, I and Yun, CH (2021) Immunosecurity: immunomodulants enhance immune responses in chickens. Animal Bioscience 34, 321. https://doi.org/10.5713/ab.20.0851 Google Scholar
Zhang, H, Liu, B, Wu, J, Xu, C, Tao, J, Duan, X, Cao, Y and Dong, J (2012) Icariin inhibits corticosterone-induced apoptosis in hypothalamic neurons via the PI3-K/Akt signaling pathway. Molecular Medicine Reports 6, 967–972. https://doi.org/10.3892/mmr.2012.1041 Google Scholar
Zheng, L, Lu, X, Yang, S, Zou, Y, Zeng, F, Xiong, S, Cao, Y and Zhou, W (2023) The anti-inflammatory activity of GABA-enriched Moringa oleifera leaves produced by fermentation with Lactobacillus plantarum LK-1. Frontiers in Nutrition 10, 1093036. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2023.1093036 Google Scholar
Zmrhal, V, Svoradova, A, Venusova, E and Slama, P (2023) The influence of heat stress on chicken immune system and mitigation of negative impacts by Baicalin and Baicalein. Animals 13, 2564. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13162564 Google Scholar