Nucleotide-Rich yeast extract as a functional feed additive: Impacts on serum biochemical parameters in broiler chickens

The current experiment was conducted to assess the influence of dietary supplementation with nucleotide-enriched yeast extract on the serum biochemical profile of broiler chickens. A total of 120 day-old Vencobb-430 chicks were randomly allocated into four treatment groups (T1–T4), each comprising three replicates of 10 birds. The control group (T1) received a basal diet, whereas groups T2, T3, and T4 were provided basal diets fortified with 0.5%, 1.0%, and 1.5% nucleotide-enriched yeast extract, respectively. The trial was conducted for 35 days under standard managemental practices. Blood samples were collected on the 21^st and 35^th days of the experiment to assess biochemical parameters including serum total protein, albumin, globulin, A/G ratio, glucose, SGPT, SGOT, cholesterol profile, uric acid, and creatinine levels. Results indicated that birds in T2 (0.5% supplementation) had significantly higher (P<0.05) serum total protein levels at both the 3^rd and 5^th weeks compared to other groups, with no significant changes in serum albumin and globulin levels. Creatinine levels were significantly reduced (P<0.01) in all groups supplemented with nucleotides compared to the control group indicating potential nephroprotective effects. Other serum parameters such as glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, LDL, SGPT, SGOT, and uric acid showed numerical differences among groups, though not statistically significant. The findings suggest that dietary inclusion of nucleotide-rich yeast extract at 0.5% enhances protein metabolism and improves kidney function indicators in broilers without adverse effects on other serum biochemical parameters. Thus, supplementation of nucleotides in broiler diets can be considered as a promising feed additive to support physiological resilience, particularly under stress or high metabolic demand. Further investigation on immune and gut health markers is warranted to establish broader functional roles of dietary nucleotides in poultry nutrition.