Feed supplementation with the seaweed (Ascophyllum Nodosum) extract reduces fat deposition in broiler chickens

This study investigated the effects of dietary Ascophyllum nodosum extract on growth performance, body composition, and lipid metabolism in broiler chickens. Birds were fed increasing doses of the extract over 35 days, revealing improvements in growth performance at lower inclusion levels and significant reductions in abdominal fat at higher doses. These changes were supported by decreased serum triglycerides and smaller adipocyte size, alongside downregulation of key genes and proteins involved in fatty acid synthesis in both adipose tissue and liver. The extract suppressed lipogenesis by modulating pathways such as PPARγ and acetyl-CoA carboxylase, indicating a systemic effect on fat metabolism. Overall, the findings demonstrate that A. nodosum extract can improve carcass quality by significantly reducing fat accumulation while supporting optimal growth performance, highlighting its potential as a natural tool for enhancing production efficiency and meat quality in poultry.