Formononetin influences growth and immune responses in broilers

Many in vitro studies indicate that flavonoids could exhibit a variety of potential beneficial effects as non-antibiotic feed additives. however,there is a dire need to ensure the in vivo contribution of flavonoids in animals. present study was aimed at determining the growth promoting and immune modulating effects of formononetin in broilers. a total of 135 one day old hubbard broiler chicks,randomly divided into 3 treatment groups,received a common basal diet with formononetin inclusion at 0 (control),10 and 20 mg/kg of diet. the results indicated that 10 mg formononetin/kg of feed resulted in better fcr (p<0.05) from 21-42 and 0-42 days and significant increase in weight gain from 0-42 days of age. the dressing percentage was higher (p<0.05) in birds fed the diet supplemented with either 10 or 20 mg/kg of formononetin as compared to control group at 42 days of age. the dose of 10 mg/kg significantly enhanced the meat quality. analysis of immunity related indices showed significant difference in the blood levels of pge2,il-10,ifn-γ and ltb4 between the birds supplemented with either 10 or 20 mg formononetin/kg feed and control group depending upon the age of the birds. overall,the results suggested that formononetin could positively affect the immune response and improve growth in broiler depending on their age and its dose. copyright 2013 zoological society of pakistan.