A review on the effect of Silybum marianum and its derivatives on broilers under healthy and aflatoxicosis conditions: part 1: performance, carcass and meat characteristics, and intestinal microflora

• Published in: World's poultry science journal 2020-04, Vol.76 (2), p.318-327
• Main Authors: Zaker-Esteghamati, H., Seidavi, A. R., Bouyeh, M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aflatoxicosis; Aflatoxin; Aflatoxins; Body weight; Carcasses; Coliforms; Conversion ratio; Diet; Dietary supplements; Feed conversion; Feeds; Intestinal microflora; Intestine; Meat; Meat quality; milk thistle; Performance enhancement; Poultry; Qualitative analysis; Seeds; Sensory properties; Series & special reports; Silybum marianum; silymarin; Well being
• ISSN: 0043-9339; 1743-4777
• DOI: 10.1080/00439339.2020.1740068

(SM) and its compounds are used as dietary supplements to improve the performance and health of chicks especially when fed broiler diets contaminated with aflatoxins. Use of SM derivatives from 0.2% to 0.8% in feed had no negative effects on the performance of broilers, but increasing SM level to 15% reduced average body weight (1620.02 g) compared to control groups (1815.04 g). Feed conversion ratio in broilers receiving SM was not significantly different and average feed intake was similar (2985.6 vs. 3145.15 g). Addition of 0.5% of SM powder in feed decreased total intestinal bacteria and coliforms. Inclusion of 4-15% of SM in feed improved sensory and qualitative characteristics of meat. SM and its derivatives (seeds, powders and extracts) improved health and quality of meat. Broiler trials showed that the highest carcass weight (1583.87 g) and breast weight (592.80) were seen in feeds containing 3% SM oil, although such findings were not consistent in other published work. Application of these compounds is recommended as a natural dietary supplement to improve performance and well-being in cases where diets may be contaminated with aflatoxin.