Nnaemeka J. Nnamani ¹; Luke C. Ali ¹*; Ngozika O. Aguogbanuzo ¹; Charity N. Aba ¹; Chekwube M. Ugwu ¹; Augustine O. Ani ¹

1, Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, 410001, Enugu State, Nigeria

 

Manuscript link
http://dx.doi.org/10.30493/DAS.2026.011402

Abstract

This feeding trial was designed to investigate dietary lysolecithin effects on blood parameters, metabolic profiles, and antioxidant defenses in Noiler cockerels. For that purpose, 150 birds were distributed across five treatment groups supplemented with varying levels of lysolecithin (Lysoforte): Lyso-0, Lyso-100, Lyso-200, Lyso-300, and Lyso-400, receiving 0, 100, 200, 300, or 400 g of Lysoforte per 100 kg of feed, respectively. Each group included 30 cockerels arranged in three replicates of ten birds under a completely randomized design. After 56 days, the study was concluded by collecting blood samples and conducting subsequent hematological and biochemical analyses. Birds supplemented with lysolecithin exhibited significantly improved hematological profiles. Packed cell volume, hemoglobin concentration, and red blood cell counts increased significantly in Lyso-200, Lyso-300, and Lyso-400 groups compared to control (Lyso-0). Similarly, serum biochemical indices improved under lysolecithin supplementation at 200–400 g per 100 kg of feed, as evidenced by reduced urea and creatinine levels alongside increased total protein, suggesting enhanced nitrogen metabolism and improved hepatic function. An interesting shift in oxidative status was also observed. Lyso-300 and Lyso-400 birds showed elevated activity of key antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase, alongside higher reduced glutathione and substantially lower malondialdehyde concentrations, indicating stronger cellular protection against oxidative damage. These converging physiological improvements point to a clear threshold effect. At 300-400 g per 100 kg feed, lysolecithin appears to optimize multiple health indicators simultaneously, reinforcing its potential as a functional feed additive for enhancing the overall health of Noiler cockerels.

Keywords: Lysolecithin, Poultry, Hematology, Oxidative status, Serum biochemistry

Introduction

The poultry industry has emerged as an efficient sector contributing significantly to livelihood and nutritional security [1]. Urbanization, rising income levels, and the rapid expansion of the human population have driven a growing demand for animal-derived foods [2]. In Nigeria, it is highly common for rural communities to engage in small-scale poultry farming, while a decent portion of the population are also employed in industry related to commercial poultry farming [3]. In fact, rural households in Nigeria are more likely to own chickens than any other type of livestock [4]. The country’s large and expanding population relies heavily on smallholder poultry farming for household food security and income generation [5]. The sector also holds potential for foreign exchange earnings [6], promotes women’s economic empowerment, and reduces youth unemployment [7][8]. The growing dependence on poultry as a key source of income and nutrition has intensified focus on poultry production, where efficiency, growth performance, meat quality and egg production are now critical to meeting rising domestic and international demand. Within this dynamic and vital poultry sector in Nigeria, the introduction of improved breeds like the Noiler chicken represents a key innovation aimed at enhancing productivity and resilience for smallholder farmers, even as the industry grapples with challenges arising from intensive production systems.

In Nigeria, the Noiler chicken is a recently developed, improved, multipurpose breed of chicken [9]. This chicken breed is less prone to disease, has a high survival rate, is naturally hardy, and can withstand harsh weather conditions [10]. Additionally, Noiler chicken is a tropically adapted breed and was developed specifically for smallholder farmers to increase productivity, boost income, and improve the livelihoods of women and young people, particularly in rural areas [11]. To meet the growing demand for poultry meat, the industry continues to evolve through advancements in management practices, nutrition, and breeding strategies. However, the intense production pressure often subjects flocks to physiological and environmental stress [12]. These pressures are amplified by intensive farming systems and the high metabolic and growth rates of poultry, underscoring the need for innovative nutritional strategies that address stress without compromising bird health [13].

Reducing supplemental lipids in chicken feed can be achieved by improving fat digestibility, thereby lowering feed production costs without negatively affecting bird performance [14]. Recent studies suggest that dietary emulsifiers can enhance poultry productivity and health [15][16]. Exogenous emulsifiers have attracted interest as feed additives because they improve overall digestive efficiency and nutrient digestibility in poultry [17]. Reduced fat absorption and digestion result from the inadequate formation of mixed micelles in the poultry small intestine [18]. By compensating for immature bile salt secretion, emulsifiers play a key role in enhancing lipid digestion and absorption [19]. Improved lipid digestion ensures better fat utilization, providing a vital energy source for rapid growth, especially during the critical early growth phases [20]. By enhancing lipid digestion and reducing energy expenditure, emulsifiers improve poultry growth performance and overall health [21][22]. Among the various emulsifiers, lysolecithin has shown strong potential for improving fat utilization and nutrient digestibility.

Lysolecithin is a feed ingredient composed of lysophospholipids produced through the enzymatic hydrolysis of soy lecithin. It primarily functions as an emulsifier, improving fat digestion and absorption in monogastric animals, particularly poultry. By enhancing the emulsification of dietary fats and increasing their accessibility to digestive enzymes, lysolecithin improves nutrient absorption and energy utilization [23]. Numerous studies have shown that lysolecithin supplementation enhances overall poultry performance [24-26]. Due to lysolecithin capabilities in inducing changes in the intestinal epithelium, it may improve the structure and health of the chicken [27]. In addition, supplementation with lysolecithin in broiler diets has been shown to improve blood metabolites, oxidative status, performance, and nutrient utilization [14][28]. However, the mechanisms by which lysolecithin enhances poultry health remain unclear. Given that lysolecithin can influence nutrient absorption, intestinal health, and blood metabolites, evaluating hematology, serum biochemistry, and oxidative status provides critical insight into how such supplementation affects overall poultry health and performance.

Hematology and serum biochemistry are essential in animal research since blood is the body’s primary transport system and is involved in the intake and output of nearly all metabolic processes. Consequently, deviations from normal blood values can indicate physiological changes [29][30]. These markers also provide important information about an animal’s enzyme profile and immunological status [31]. Free radicals are the primary participants in oxidative reactions, initiating self-sustaining chain reactions that can severely damage biological molecules. Exposure of poultry to oxidative stress can trigger these reactions, negatively affecting health, performance, and ultimately reducing the profitability of production [32]. Consequently, assessing oxidative status in poultry is crucial as imbalances can impair growth, weaken immune function, and increase susceptibility to disease [33]. There is a need to advance research on the effects of lysolecithin in poultry, particularly its impact on health status. Accordingly, this study investigates the effects of dietary supplementation with lysolecithin on hematology, serum biochemistry, and oxidative status in Noiler cockerels.

Materials and Methods

Ethical consideration and study location

The experimental procedures followed the animal welfare, treatment, and handling guidelines of the Research Ethics Committee for Animal Experimentation, University of Nigeria, Nsukka (Reference No.: UNN/C66ARO88.2.9.25). The study was conducted at the poultry unit of the Department of Animal Science Teaching and Research Farm, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. The site is located in the Derived Savanna zone at an elevation of 430 m above sea level. This area is characterized by a humid tropical climate, with relative humidity ranging from 56.01% to 103.83%. Annual rainfall varies from 1,567.05 mm to 1,846.98 mm, while average maximum temperatures range between 33 °C and 37 °C [34][35]. The experiment lasted 56 days.

Sourcing of research material, experimental diet and management of Noiler cockerel

lysolecithin (Lysoforte™) was procured from Feedserve Solutions Nigeria Ltd. in partnership with Kemin Industries (PTY) Ltd., South Africa. A Noiler grower diet was formulated, and the test material was added as a supplement. The composition of the basal diet (without lysolecithin) is presented in Table 1. Noiler cockerels (150 birds) were assigned to five treatment groups (Each treatment group consisted of 30 birds, arranged in three replicates of 10 birds each) with 5 levels of Lysoforte supplementation (Lyso-0: Control, Lyso-100: 100 g Lysoforte/100 kg feed, Lyso-200: 200 g Lysoforte/100 kg feed, Lyso-300: 300 g Lysoforte/100 kg feed, Lyso-400: 400 g Lysoforte/100 kg feed) (Fig. 1). Feed samples containing different levels of lysolecithin were analyzed for proximate composition in accordance with AOAC [36] (Table 2). The birds were managed under standard poultry production practices in deep-litter pens measuring 4.5×5.5m for each group. Wood shavings were used as bedding material to prevent respiratory complications. Feed and water were supplied ad libitum throughout the experimental period.

Blood sample collection

Blood samples were collected for testing at the end of the experiment (56 days). Before blood collection, the birds were fasted for 4 h to allow stabilization of plasma constituents. Blood samples (4 mL) were collected from the wing vein using a 5-mL sterile syringe fitted with a 20-gauge needle. Two milliliters of each blood sample were transferred into labelled heparinized tubes for hematological analysis. For serum studies, the remaining 2 mL of blood was transferred into non-heparinized tubes and allowed to clot for 10 min at room temperature. The samples were then centrifuged at 1500 rpm for 20 min, after which the serum was harvested into 0.5-mL microcentrifuge tubes and stored at −20 °C pending analysis. All analyses were performed within 48 h of collection.

Determination of hematological indicators

Packed cell volume (PCV) and hemoglobin concentration (Hb) were determined in whole blood sample using the methods described by Flecknell [37]. Red blood cell (RBC) count, total white blood cell (WBC) count, lymphocytes, platelets, monocytes, neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils were analyzed using an automated IDEXX Vet Test Chemistry Analyzer (IDEXX Laboratories, Inc.). Mean cell volume (MCV), mean cell hemoglobin (MCH), and mean cell hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) were calculated according to Flecknell [37].

Determination of serum biochemistry

The serum metabolites analyzed were alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total protein, creatinine, and urea, using an automated IDEXX Veterinary Test Chemistry Analyzer.

Determination of oxidative enzymes

The plasma levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and reduced glutathione (GSH) were assessed spectrophotometrically using specific commercial bio diagnostic ELISA kits, following the manufacturer’s instructions (Elabscience Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Houston, Texas, USA).

Experimental design and statistical analysis

Data were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) in a Completely Randomized Design with the assistance of computer software; IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 19.0. The software automatically separated significantly different means using Duncan’s New Multiple Range Test at 5 percent level of probability. The experimental model applied is Y_ij = µ + A_i + ℇ_ij; where Y_ij is individual observations, µ is the population mean, A_i is the i^th effect of lysolecithin at different levels and ℇ_ij is the random error.

Results

Hematological indicators

The effects of different levels of lysolecithin on the hematological indices of Noiler cockerels are summarized in Table 3. Packed cell volume percentage (PCV) increased progressively by increasing lysolecithin level, with the highest value recorded at Lyso-400 compared to the control and other groups (p<0.05). Hemoglobin concentration and RBC count were significantly (p<0.05) higher in all supplemented groups than in the control cockerels. MCV generally increased at higher lysolecithin doses, with the highest value recorded at Lyso-400, followed by the Lyso-300 and Lyso-200 groups. The lowest value was recorded in the Lyso-100 cockerels; however, it was comparable to the control. All lysolecithin-supplemented groups showed higher MCHC values compared to control. As for eosinophils, the highest value was observed in the Lyso-100 group, while a complete absence of eosinophils was observed in the Lyso-200 and Lyso-300 cockerels. Platelet counts were highest in the control, Lyso-100 and Lyso-200 groups compared with the Lyso-300 and Lyso-400 groups (p<0.05). Other parameters, including MCH, WBC, neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes and basophils, were not significantly affected (p>0.05) by lysolecithin supplementation.

Serum biochemical parameters

Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) exhibited a dose-dependent modulation (p<0.05), with the highest value observed at Lyso-200 and the lowest at Lyso-300. However, ALT and ALP were not significantly affected (p>0.05). Both urea and creatinine concentrations decreased significantly under higher lysolecithin level (p<0.05), with the lowest values recorded at Lyso-300 and Lyso-400. On the other hand, total serum protein increased progressively in lysolecithin supplemented broilers, with Lyso-300 and Lyso-400 recording the highest values (p<0.05) (Table 4).

Oxidative status

SOD rose progressively with increasing lysolecithin level, with Lyso-300 and Lyso-400 producing the highest activities (p<0.05) (Fig. 2 A). Catalase activity also responded significantly to lysolecithin, with the highest value recorded at Lyso-400 (p<0.05) (Fig. 2 B). GPx was significantly higher in all lysolecithin-supplemented groups compared with the control, with no further statistical separation among Lyso-100 to Lyso-400 (Fig. 2 C). GSH increased markedly in Lyso-200, Lyso-300 and Lyso-400 relative to the control and Lyso-100 (p<0.05) (Fig. 2 D). In contrast, MDA decreased significantly with lysolecithin supplementation, with the lowest concentration observed at Lyso-400 (p<0.05) (Fig. 2 E).

Discussion

It is generally known that lysolecithin-based nutrient absorption enhancers increase nutrient digestibility and absorption, thereby improving poultry performance and profitability [38][39]. In the present study, the effect of lysolecithin as an emulsifier on hematology, serum biochemistry, and oxidative status in Noiler cockerels was investigated. Supplementation with lysolecithin significantly improved key indices such as PCV, Hb, RBC count, MCV, and MCHC. In contrast to these findings, no significant effects of lysolecithin on hematological indicators in broiler chickens were observed [25][40]. These discrepancies may be attributed to differences in supplementation level, type of emulsifier, diet composition, bird strain, breed, sex or age [41]. The improvement in hematological parameters at 200–400 g/100 kg feed indicates enhanced hematological health, likely mediated by improved nutrient absorption, particularly fats and energy that support erythropoiesis. This supports the role of lysolecithin as a functional feed additive for improving performance and physiological status in Noiler cockerels, especially under conditions of nutrient constraint [42]. Previous studies reported similar effects, showing that nutrient-rich dietary additives can increase PCV in poultry [43][44]. Likewise, supplements containing vitamins and minerals stimulate erythropoiesis and elevate Hb levels, as these nutrients are required for red blood cell maturation, DNA synthesis during erythroblast proliferation, hemoglobin formation, and overall hematological integrity [13][45]. The absence of significant effects of lysolecithin supplementation on WBC, MCH, neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, and basophils across treatments is consistent with previous reports indicating that these indices may remain stable despite dietary manipulation under certain conditions [46][47]. Nevertheless, subtle immune or hematological shifts may still occur [48][49], highlighting the need for cautious, multifactorial interpretation of physiological responses.

Serum biochemical parameters serve as key indicators of oxidative stress driven by alterations in blood biochemistry [50]. Graded lysolecithin inclusion generally improved indicators of liver and kidney function, evidenced by lower urea and creatinine, and enhanced protein status, reflected by higher total protein, with some variation in enzyme activities. Consistent with the present study, other studies reported significant effects in rainbow trout, where emulsifiers reduced liver enzyme activities [51]. Similarly, improvements in serum globulin and creatinine were observed following dietary inclusion of lysophospholipid emulsifiers in male broiler chickens [26]. Roy et al. [52] also showed that supplemental emulsifiers exerted variable effects on serum metabolites in broilers. In contrast, Gholami et al. [53] reported no dietary effect on blood biochemistry in broilers fed emulsifier-supplemented diets, while Ani et al. [25] found that dietary lysolecithin had no significant effect on serum biochemical indices in broiler chickens. These discrepancies may be attributed to the type of emulsifier used, its inclusion level, and differences in experimental conditions among studies. The biochemical profile in the present study indicates that Lyso-300 to Lyso-400 produced the most favorable physiological responses, characterized by reduced nitrogenous waste, stable liver enzyme activity, and enhanced circulating protein levels [26][48]. This supports the role of lysolecithin as a functional feed additive that enhances nutrient utilization and systemic metabolic health in Noiler cockerels. The absence of significant effects on ALT and ALP suggests that lysolecithin supplementation at the tested levels did not adversely affect liver enzyme activity in Noiler cockerels, in agreement with Arkew et al. [54], who reported similar liver function responses in poultry.

Cells have both enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant systems that work cooperatively to protect against oxidative injury in farm animals [55]. Regarding the oxidative status in the current study, lysolecithin (300 and 400 g/100 kg feed) produced a dose-dependent enhancement of both enzymatic (SOD, catalase, GPx) and non-enzymatic (GSH) antioxidant defenses while simultaneously reducing lipid peroxidation (MDA) in Noiler cockerels. Other studies in poultry have demonstrated the modulatory effect of dietary emulsifiers on oxidative stress by enhancing the activities of antioxidant enzymes. For instance, Ani et al. [25] documented that dietary lysolecithin decreased MDA whilst increasing SOD, GPx, and GSH. Ewais et al. [56] reported that a limonene nano-emulsion significantly increased the levels of various antioxidant enzymes, such as SOD, catalase and GPx with a further reduction in MDA levels. Similarly, El-Gendi et al. [57] observed that dietary inclusion of de-oiled lecithin elevated serum levels of SOD, GPx, and total antioxidant capacity while reducing MDA concentrations in two different strains of broilers. However, in another study, Cai et al. [58] reported that lysolecithin had no significant effect on liver concentrations of SOD, catalase and GSH-Px in broiler chickens.

The reported antioxidant efficacy of emulsifiers may be attributed to their unique molecular composition. For instance, lecithin contains γ-, α-, and δ-tocopherols, with its primary antioxidant activity arising from the synergistic interaction between γ- and δ-tocopherols and amino-alcohol phospholipids [57]. In addition, lysolecithin’s antioxidant benefits are ascribed to its ability to reduce liver damage, enhance oxidative resistance, and improve the oxidative stability of oils and fats through the protective action of its phospholipid constituents [59]. Furthermore, lysolecithin’s antioxidant properties may be linked to its ability to bind pro-oxidative metals through the negative charges on its phosphate head group, resulting in inhibition of lipid oxidation and reduced electron leakage and reactive oxygen species production via improved mitochondrial β-oxidation efficiency [60].

Conclusion

Based on the findings of the present study, it can be concluded that dietary inclusion of 300-400 g lysolecithin per 100 kg of cockerel feed effectively enhances hematological indices, improves serum biochemical parameters, and boosts oxidative status, thereby supporting overall health and physiological resilience in the birds. Importantly, this supplementation level did not exert any detrimental effects on the general health status of the cockerels, indicating its safety and potential as a beneficial feed additive for optimizing poultry nutrition and performance.

Conflict of interest statement
The authors declared no conflict of interest.
Funding statement
The authors declared that this work was funded by Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Nigeria through project no: TETF/DR&D/CE/UNI/NSUKKA/BR/2020/VOL.I.
Data availability statement
The authors declared that all experimental data will be available upon reasonable request from the corresponding author.

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Cite this article:

Nnamani NJ, Ali LC, Aguogbanuzo NO, Aba CN, Ugwu CM, Ani AO. Lysolecithin supplementation elicits a tripartite health response in Noiler cockerels: Hematological, metabolic, and antioxidant synergy. DYSONA-Applied Science. 2026;7(2):209–19. doi: 10.30493/das.2026.011402