Abstract

Increasing bird growth is a crucial demand for all poultry producers. This occurs by the genetic improvement of the existing breeds and by improving the feeding management. The present study investigated the impact of Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA) supplementation in the diet on performance, serum parameters, tibia bone composition, and the expression levels of growth-related genes in chickens. A total of 120 day-old broiler chicks (Cobb 505) were used and divided into four groups. The control group was fed on a basal diet without the ALA supplement. The birds in groups of A50, A100, and A200 were fed on the formulated diet supplemented with ALA at doses of 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg of diet, respectively for 35 days. Results indicated that ALA supplementation significantly improved the birds’ growth performance. This effect was associated with a marked upregulation of mRNA levels of GHR and IGFR and a significant downregulation of MSTN expression level. In addition, the ALA dietary provision caused a distinct improvement in liver function and bone efficiency. Thus, the improving effect of ALA on birds’ growth performance is mediated by modulating the growth-regulating genes. In conclusion, ALA could be used as a good growth-promoter in dietary supplements.