Evaluation of the dietary effects of Silybum marianum on broiler performance
Published:
May 20, 2026
Keywords:
atherogenic index FCR immune system meat quality Silybum marianum
Abstract
This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of Silybum marianum dietary supplements on production performance, carcass characteristics, biochemical parameters and blood antioxidant status, immune system, sensory and taste traits and fatty acid profile of meat in Ross 308 broiler chickens in a completely randomized design including 3 treatments, 5 replications and 10 birds per replication and a total of 150 birds during three growth periods: starter (1-11 d), grower (12-21 d) and finisher (22-42 d). The experimental group treatments included three levels of 0, 4.5 and 6% Silybum marianum seed powder in corn and soybean meal-based diets. Performance results from 1 to 11 days of age (starter period) showed that the groups fed with Silybum marianum experienced an increase in feed conversion ratio (FCR) (P<0.05). Also, from 1 to 42 days of age, the increase in FCR was also noticeable in the 6% group (P<0.05) and in parallel, the contrast effect of the control group with the groups fed with Silybum marianum for FCR was increased (P<0.05). Results of blood parameters except blood uric acid, for glucose, cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), atherogenic index, triglyceride, albumin, protein, phosphorus, iron, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), malondialdehyde (MDA) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) improved health-related status (P<0.01). The results of immune system traits also showed that the Antibody Titr trait (42day- SRBC test) decreased with increasing Silybum marianum levels in the diet and spleen weight increased (P<0.05). The group fed with 4.5 treatment affected meat taste (P<0.01). In addition, the contrast results of the control group compared to the groups fed with Silybum marianum were significant for the desirability and acceptance of meat trait (P<0.05). Overall, the results showed that feeding the studied ingredient as an effective supplement in animal health and meat quality, but further studies are needed to select the optimum levels for performance improvement.
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Saei, S., Seidavi, A., & Nosrati, M. (2026). Evaluation of the dietary effects of Silybum marianum on broiler performance. Journal of the Hellenic Veterinary Medical Society, 77(2), 10499–10512. https://doi.org/10.12681/jhvms.42057
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- Vol. 77 No. 2 (2026)
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