effect of l-carnitine, emulsifier, and their combination on lipid peroxidation, nitric oxide production, and heterophil/lymphocyte ratio in chickens under high altitude

Background and objective: high-altitude environments pose challenges for broiler chickens, causing hypoxia, reduced growth rates, and increased disease susceptibility. this stress affects their cardiovascular and respiratory systems. this study explores the impact of l-carnitine and emulsifiers on lipid peroxidation, nitrite production (as an indicator of nitric oxide), and the heterophil/lymphocyte ratio in chickens experiencing high-altitude stress.materials and methods: broiler chicks were raised at high altitudes (2100 m) for 42 days, divided into a control and three treatment groups receiving l-carnitine, emulsifier, or both. blood samples were collected to analyze nitrite and malondialdehyde (mda) levels. the heterophil/lymphocyte (h/l) ratio was determined from blood smearsresults: nitrite levels were increased in the l-carnitine and l-carnitine + emulsifier groups compared to controls, while mda levels decreased in both treatment groups compared to controls (p<0.05). additionally, the h/l ratio was significantly reduced in all treatment groups compared to the control group (p<0.05).conclusion: this study determined the significant benefits of l-carnitine and emulsifiers in improving the adverse effects of high-altitude conditions such as oxidative stress, vasoconstriction, and hypertension in broiler chickens.