Modulating Role of Vitamins C and E against Transport-Induced Stress in Pullets during the Hot-Dry Conditions

Abstract

The modulating effects of ascorbic acid (AA), vitamin E (E), and a combination of AA and E () against eight-hour road transportation stress were investigated in 120 pullets during the hot-dry season. The result obtained showed that handling, loading and transportation induced lymphopenia, neutrophilia, liveweight loss, and mortality, which was alleviated by oral administration of AA, E, and at doses of 60 mg, 30 mg, and  mg per kg bodyweight, respectively, 30 minutes before being loaded and transported. The meteorological conditions recorded during the study period were higher () than the thermoneutral values established for chickens in the zone. In conclusion, the administration of vitamins AA, E, and , especially AA, ameliorated the risk of adverse effects of handling, loading, transportation, and thermal stress in pullets during the hot-dry season.