The liver as a metabolic axis in poultry production: the importance of standardised phytogenics
The efficacy of a phytogenic does not depend only on the plant used, but on the concentration, stability and bioavailability of measurable active compounds.
In modern poultry farming, the liver is a key metabolic axis for transforming nutrients into productive performance. It is involved in energy and lipid metabolism, bile production, protein synthesis and stress response.
Main challenges for liver function
In layers and breeders, hemorrhagic fatty liver syndrome remains a relevant challenge, especially in high-production birds fed energy-dense diets. In broilers, rapid growth requires high metabolic activity to sustain protein synthesis, energy metabolism, lipid management and detoxification.
Mycotoxins, nutritional imbalances, inflammation and heat stress add further pressure. Heat stress alters redox homeostasis and increases reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, promoting oxidative damage and metabolic pressure on the liver.
Phytogenics: from plant extracts to active compounds
Phytogenics can provide antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, digestive and metabolic support. Their technical value, however, depends on the concentration, stability and bioavailability of active compounds.
Declaring a “plant extract” does not guarantee a reproducible physiological effect. Extracts from the same botanical species may differ according to plant origin, the part used, extraction method, processing and stability during feed manufacturing.
Phytogenic nutrition must therefore progress towards solutions characterized and formulated around measurable active compounds.
Artichoke extract and standardisation
Artichoke extract, Cynara scolymus, is a good example. Its key compounds include caffeoylquinic acids such as chlorogenic acid and cynarin, linked to antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, choleretic, cholagogue and lipid-metabolism-modulating activities.
It is therefore necessary to control the content of chlorogenic compounds rather than simply declare artichoke extract. Igusol developed an analytical method to identify and quantify these acids in raw materials and standardize the concentration of active ingredients in IGUSafe.
Evidence and applications in poultry farming
In a 0-to-42-day trial, standardized artichoke extract significantly reduced serum AST and ALP compared with the control. Total protein was higher in the high-dose group, and these changes were accompanied by greater body weight and improved feed conversion.
| Serum parameter | Control | 80 g/t | 160 g/t | P-value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ALP, U/L | 1,650ᵃ | 1,401ᵇ | 1,444ᵇ | 0.048 |
| AST, U/L | 320.6ᵃ | 275.6ᵇ | 258.9ᵇ | 0.013 |
| Total protein, g/dL | 3.43ᵇ | 3.42ᵇ | 3.78ᵃ | 0.038 |
ALP: alkaline phosphatase; AST: aspartate aminotransferase. Different letters indicate significant differences between treatments.
Recent literature also supports the interest of chlorogenic compounds during heat stress, including modulation of immune responses, antioxidant indicators, heat-shock proteins and intestinal barrier integrity.
- Broilers during rapid growth.
- Layers and breeders during periods of high hepatic demand.
- Heat-stress situations.
- Programs requiring greater technical consistency from phytogenic solutions.
Conclusion
The liver is a strategic target in modern poultry nutrition. Phytogenics can support liver function, but efficacy depends on measurable active compounds. Standardizing artichoke extract for chlorogenic compounds enables a transition from generic plant materials to functional, reproducible molecules.
A solution aligned with this challenge: IGUSafe
A standardized phytogenic supporting liver function, metabolic balance and detoxification.
View solution IGUSafe
