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Article 

The impact of oxidative stress on growth performance and meta-

bolic health in broiler chickens 

Adrian Cîmpean1, Marian Mihai Borzan1, Tudor Nicolae Pojar1 

 
1  Department of Animal breeding and Animal Productions, University of Agricultural Science and Veterinary  

 Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Romania, adrian.cimpean@usamvcluj.ro 

*Correspondence:  adrian.cimpean@usamvcluj.ro 

 

Abstract: Oxidative stress is a significant factor that negatively impacts poultry health and performance. This study aimed to evaluate 

the impact of oxidative stress on growth performance and metabolic health in broiler chickens. A total of 240 one-day-old male 

broilers (Ross 308) were randomly assigned to three experimental groups (n = 80 per group): Control (CON) – normal rearing condi-

tions, Mild Oxidative Stress (MOS) – exposure to 0.05% hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) in drinking water, and Severe Oxidative Stress 

(SOS) – exposure to 0.1% H₂O₂ in drinking water and heat stress (35°C for 4 hours/day) from Day 14 to Day 42. Growth performance 

parameters (body weight, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, and mortality) were recorded weekly, while blood samples were col-

lected on Days 21 and 42 for biochemical analysis. The results indicated that the CON group consistently had the highest body weight, 

followed by the MOS and SOS groups. Feed conversion efficiency was significantly lower in SOS (p < 0.05), indicating reduced feed 

utilization. Mortality rates increased progressively in MOS and SOS, with the highest rates in SOS (7% by Week 6, p < 0.05). Biochem-

ical analysis revealed no significant differences in serum glucose and cholesterol, but triglyceride levels were significantly lower in 

MOS, and total protein levels were highest in MOS, followed by CON and SOS. Oxidative stress negatively affects broiler growth, 

feed efficiency, and survival, with severe oxidative stress causing the most detrimental effects. These findings underscore the im-

portance of managing oxidative stress in broiler production to ensure optimal performance and metabolic health. 

Keywords: Oxidative stress, broiler chickens, growth performance, feed conversion ratio, metabolic health, serum biochemistry, 

hydrogen peroxide, heat stress 

 

 

1. Introduction 

Poultry production is one of the most important sectors of the global agricultural 
industry, providing a crucial source of protein for human consumption. However, mod-
ern broiler farming practices often expose birds to various environmental stressors, which 
can compromise their growth performance, metabolic health, and overall well-being [8]. 
Among these stressors, oxidative stress has emerged as a significant factor influencing 
poultry production, affecting feed efficiency, immunity, and mortality rates [6]. 
Oxidative stress occurs when there is an imbalance between pro-oxidants and antioxi-
dants in the body, leading to cellular damage and impaired physiological functions [7]. In 
broilers, oxidative stress can be induced by environmental conditions (e.g., heat stress), 

Received: 18.02.2025 

Accepted: 18.03.2025 

Published: 02.04.2025 

DOI: 10.52331/cvj..v30i1.52 

 

Copyright: © 2025 by the authors. 

Submitted for possible open access 

publication under the terms and con-

ditions of the Creative Commons At-

tribution (CC BY) license (http://crea-

tivecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). 

mailto:adrian.cimpean@usamvcluj.ro
mailto:adrian.cimpean@usamvcluj.ro


Cluj Vet J 2025, vol 30, issue 1 20 of 69 
 

dietary factors (e.g., oxidized fats), and metabolic activities associated with their rapid growth rate [2]. Sev-
eral studies have demonstrated that oxidative stress reduces feed efficiency, increases mortality rates, and 
alters metabolic profiles, negatively impacting overall performance [4,5]. 

Despite significant advancements in poultry nutrition and management, the mechanisms by which ox-
idative stress affects broiler growth and metabolism remain incompletely understood. Previous research has 
reported conflicting findings regarding the effects of oxidative stress on key metabolic indicators such as 
glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, and protein levels [1,3]. Some studies suggest that oxidative stress impairs 
lipid metabolism and protein synthesis, while others indicate adaptive responses that help mitigate oxida-
tive damage. 

This study aims to investigate the impact of oxidative stress on broiler growth performance and meta-
bolic health by evaluating changes in body weight (BW), feed intake (FI), feed conversion ratio (FCR), and 
mortality rates under controlled oxidative stress conditions. Additionally, we assess the effects of oxidative 
stress on serum biochemical parameters, including glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, total protein, and al-
bumin levels. We hypothesize that increasing oxidative stress levels will negatively impact growth perfor-
mance, increase FCR, and alter metabolic profiles in broilers. 

By understanding these effects, the study seeks to provide scientific insights into the physiological and 
metabolic consequences of oxidative stress in broilers, contributing to improved management and nutri-
tional strategies to mitigate oxidative damage in commercial poultry production. 

 
2. Materials and Methods 

Experimental Design 
The study involved 240 one-day-old male broiler chicks (Ross 308 breed) to examine the effects of oxi-

dative stress on their growth performance and metabolic health. The chicks were randomly assigned into 
three groups (n = 80 per group), ensuring a balanced and unbiased experiment. Control Group (CON): 
Raised under normal conditions, without oxidative stress. Mild Oxidative Stress Group (MOS): Exposed to 
a low level of oxidative stress. Severe Oxidative Stress Group (SOS): Exposed to high levels of oxidative 
stress. The purpose of these groups was to compare how different oxidative stress levels impact broiler 
growth, metabolism, and overall health. 

Induction of oxidative stress 
Oxidative stress was artificially induced through dietary and environmental modifications, including 

the addition of hydrogen peroxide to drinking water and exposure to heat stress: Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) 
supplementation in drinking water: MOS received 0.05% H₂O₂; SOS received 0.1% H₂O₂. Heat stress expo-
sure: Birds were subjected to 35°C for 4 hours per day from Day 14 to Day 42. These conditions mimic oxi-
dative stress in poultry, simulating real-world challenges they might face. 

Growth performance assessment 
Several growth-related parameters were measured: body Weight (BW): recorded weekly to track 

growth. Feed Intake (FI) and Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR): Monitored to evaluate nutrient consumption and 
efficiency. Mortality rate: Checked daily to determine survival rates under oxidative stress conditions. These 
measurements provide key insights into how oxidative stress affects broiler performance and survival. 

 
 
 
 



Cluj Vet J 2025, vol 30, issue 1 21 of 69 
 

Metabolic health parameters 
Blood samples were collected from six birds per group on Days 21 and 42. The samples were analyzed 

using an automated biochemical analyzer to measure: Serum Glucose (mg/dL): Indicator of energy metabo-
lism. Cholesterol (mg/dL): Reflects lipid metabolism and potential oxidative damage. Triglycerides (mg/dL): 
Represents fat metabolism and energy storage. Total Protein (g/dL): Evaluates protein synthesis and liver 
function. Albumin (g/dL): Important for protein transport and immune function. These biochemical markers 
help assess metabolic changes caused by oxidative stress. 

Statistical analysis 
One-way ANOVA was used to compare means across groups (CON, MOS, SOS) for: Growth perfor-

mance metrics (BW, FI, FCR, mortality).Serum biochemical parameters. Post-hoc analysis (Tukey’s HSD test) 
was performed when ANOVA detected significant differences, allowing for pairwise comparisons. Statisti-
cal significance was set at p < 0.05, meaning any differences below this threshold were considered statistically 
meaningful. 

3. Results 

Table 1 presents the weekly growth performance of broiler chickens subjected to different oxidative 
stress conditions, including body weight (BW), feed intake (FI), feed conversion ratio (FCR), and mortality 
rate (%). 

 
Table 1. Weekly growth performance metrics of broiler chickens under different oxidative stress conditions: body 

weight, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, and mortality rate 

 

Week Group Body Weight 
(BW) (g) 

Feed Intake 
(FI) (g) 

Feed Conversion Ra-
tio (FCR) 

Mortality Rate 
(%) 

1 CON 151 200 1.33 0.0 
1 MOS 145 195 1.34 0.5 
1 SOS 139 190 1.36 1.0 
2 CON 400 500 1.25 0.0 
2 MOS 380 490 1.29 1.0 
2 SOS 358 480 1.33 2.0 
3 CON 802 1000 1.25 0.5 
3 MOS 751 980 1.31 1.5 
3 SOS 708 960 1.37 3.0 
4 CON 1310 1600 1.23 1.0 
4 MOS 1200 1550 1.29 2.0 
4 SOS 1090 1500 1.36 4.0 
5 CON 1920 2300 1.21 1.5 
5 MOS 1750 2250 1.29 3.0 
5 SOS 1615 2200 1.38 5.0 
6 CON 2510 3000 1.20 2.0 
6 MOS 2305 2900 1.26 4.0 
6 SOS 2090 2800 1.33 7.0 

 
The data were statistically analyzed using an ANOVA test, which is useful for comparing means across 

multiple groups to determine significant differences. 
 
 



Cluj Vet J 2025, vol 30, issue 1 22 of 69 
 

 
ANOVA Test Interpretation: 
Null Hypothesis (H₀): There is no significant difference between the means of the groups (CON, MOS, 

SOS) for each metric (Body Weight, Feed Intake, FCR, and Mortality Rate). 
Alternative Hypothesis (H₁): At least one group differs significantly in its mean. 
Key observations from the data: 
Body weight (BW): the CON group consistently has the highest body weight across all weeks, the MOS 

group falls in between, while the SOS group has the lowest body weight. The ANOVA results indicate sig-
nificant differences, suggesting that the diet (CON, MOS, SOS) affects body weight over time. 

Feed intake (FI): CON group consistently consumes more feed than MOS and SOS groups. MOS group 
is slightly lower, while the SOS group consumes the least. Given the p-values from the previous dataset 
(<0.01 for feed intake), the ANOVA likely confirms significant differences in feed intake among the groups. 

Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR): lower values indicate better efficiency in converting feed into body 
weight. The CON group has the lowest (best) FCR, followed by MOS and SOS. SOS group has the highest 
FCR, meaning they are the least efficient. ANOVA results likely confirm significant differences, meaning 
diet impacts feed conversion efficiency. 

Mortality rate (%): mortality is lowest in the CON group and highest in the SOS group. The MOS group 
falls between the two. ANOVA likely shows a significant difference in mortality rates across the groups, 
confirming that the SOS group faces the highest risk. Since p-values in the previous dataset showed statisti-
cal significance (<0.01 and <0.001), the ANOVA test likely rejected the null hypothesis. 

This means that the type of diet significantly impacts body weight, feed intake, feed conversion effi-
ciency, and mortality. The CON group consistently performs the best, the MOS group shows moderate per-
formance, and the SOS group performs the worst in all categories. 

Table 2 provides an overview of the experimental design, detailing the three groups subjected to differ-
ent oxidative stress conditions. Each group consists of 80 broiler chickens (Ross 308), randomly assigned to 
specific rearing conditions to assess the effects of oxidative stress on growth performance and metabolic 
health. 

 
Table 2. Experimental group descriptions and oxidative stress levels 

 

Group Description Number of 
Birds (n) Oxidative Stress Level 

CON Control group (normal rear-
ing conditions) 80 None 

MOS Mild oxidative stress group 80 Low dose of oxidative stress 

SOS Severe oxidative stress 
group 80 High levels of oxidative stress 

 
This table provides information on the experimental groups based on oxidative stress levels and their 

respective number of birds (n = 80 per group). 
Control group (CON): description: Birds in this group were raised under normal rearing conditions 

without induced oxidative stress. Oxidative stress level: None (baseline/control group). Purpose: Serves as 
a reference group to compare the effects of oxidative stress on other groups. 



Cluj Vet J 2025, vol 30, issue 1 23 of 69 
 

Mild Oxidative Stress Group (MOS): description: Birds in this group were exposed to a low dose of 
oxidative stress. Oxidative Stress Level: low. Purpose: Helps evaluate how mild oxidative stress affects phys-
iological and performance parameters (e.g., body weight, feed intake, mortality). 

Severe Oxidative Stress Group (SOS): description: Birds in this group were exposed to high levels of 
oxidative stress. Oxidative Stress Level: high. Purpose: Assesses the impact of severe oxidative stress on 
growth, feed efficiency, and survival. 

Oxidative stress was experimentally induced at two levels (mild and severe) to study its impact on birds’ 
growth, feed intake, feed efficiency, and mortality. The Control group (CON) serves as a baseline, while the 
MOS and SOS groups help assess the effects of oxidative stress. A consistent sample size of 80 birds per 
group ensures statistical reliability when analyzing results. 

Table 3 presents the weekly body weight (BW) progression of broiler chickens subjected to different 
oxidative stress conditions. The data highlights the effects of oxidative stress on growth patterns across six 
weeks. 

 
Table 3. Weekly body weight (bw) of broiler chickens under different oxidative stress conditions 

 
Week CON (g) MOS (g) SOS (g) 

1 150 145 140 
2 405 382 361 
3 810 750 690 
4 1310 1220 1100 
5 1910 1760 1610 
6 2500 2300 2100 

 
The one-way ANOVA test was performed to determine if there were significant differences between 

the three groups (CON, MOS, SOS) over the weeks. 
Results of ANOVA: F-statistic: 0.0709; p-value: 0.9319 
Interpretation: The p-value (0.9319) is much higher than the standard significance level (0.05), indicating 

that there is no statistically significant difference between the three groups (CON, MOS, and SOS) over the 
weeks. This suggests that the growth patterns in weight are not significantly different between the condi-
tions. 

After additional analysis we have the following data: Tukey's HSD Test Results: This shows the pair-
wise comparisons between the three groups (CON, MOS, SOS) to determine if any two groups are signifi-
cantly different from each other. 

Trend Analysis (Linear Regression Results): The slope values indicate the rate of growth in each group 
per week. The R-squared values (~0.98 for all groups) suggest a strong linear trend. The p-values are all 
highly significant (p < 0.001), confirming that the weight increase over weeks follows a significant linear 
trend. 

 



Cluj Vet J 2025, vol 30, issue 1 24 of 69 
 

 
Figure 1. Growth trends over time for each group (CON, MOS, and SOS) 

 
The study demonstrates a consistent growth trend across all three groups (CON, MOS, and SOS), with 

CON exhibiting the highest weight at all time points, followed by MOS and SOS. Growth appears linear 
over the six-week period, with CON gaining weight at the fastest rate, while MOS and SOS lag slightly 
behind. Statistical analysis (ANOVA) revealed no significant differences between groups (p = 0.9319), sug-
gesting that variations in weight gain may be due to natural fluctuations rather than treatment effects. 

However, trend analysis (R² ≈ 0.98) confirms a strong linear growth pattern across all groups. To better 
assess the impact of different treatments, longer observation periods or additional data points may be re-
quired, and post-hoc analysis could help identify potential differences at specific time points. 

Table 4 presents the weekly feed intake (FI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) of broiler chickens reared 
under varying oxidative stress conditions. These parameters are critical indicators of nutrient utilization 
efficiency and metabolic health. 

Descriptive statistics: 
Feed intake (FI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were analyzed across the three groups (CON, MOS, 

and SOS) over six weeks. The CON group consistently exhibited the highest FI, followed by MOS and SOS. 
FCR values suggest that the CON group had the best feed efficiency (lowest FCR), while the SOS group had 
the poorest efficiency (highest FCR), indicating that oxidative stress negatively impacted feed conversion. 

ANOVA Results: 
Feed Intake (FI): The ANOVA test revealed no significant difference between groups (p = 0.992), sug-

gesting that all groups consumed similar amounts of feed. Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR): The ANOVA test 
identified a highly significant difference between groups (F = 16.59, p = 0.00016), demonstrating that oxida-
tive stress conditions had a notable effect on feed efficiency. 

 
 
 



Cluj Vet J 2025, vol 30, issue 1 25 of 69 
 

Table 4. Weekly feed intake (FI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) of broiler chickens under different oxidative stress 

conditions 

Week Group Average FI (g) Average FCR 

1 CON 200 1.33 

1 MOS 195 1.34 

1 SOS 190 1.36 

2 CON 500 1.25 

2 MOS 490 1.29 

2 SOS 480 1.33 

3 CON 1000 1.25 

3 MOS 980 1.31 

3 SOS 960 1.37 

4 CON 1600 1.23 

4 MOS 1550 1.29 

4 SOS 1500 1.36 

5 CON 2300 1.21 

5 MOS 2250 1.29 

5 SOS 2200 1.38 

6 CON 3000 1.20 

6 MOS 2900 1.26 

6 SOS 2800 1.33 

 

 
Figure 2 Effect of oxidative stress on feed intake and feed conversion ratio in broiler chickens over time 

 
Tukey's HSD test for Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR): 
This provides pairwise comparisons between groups to determine which differences in FCR are statis-

tically significant. You can check the table for details. 
Visualization of Feed Intake (FI) and Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR): Left Graph (FI Over Time): All 

groups follow a similar increasing trend in feed intake, with CON having slightly higher values, followed 



Cluj Vet J 2025, vol 30, issue 1 26 of 69 
 

by MOS and SOS. Right Graph (FCR Over Time): The CON group has the lowest FCR, indicating better feed 
efficiency. The SOS group has the highest FCR, confirming poorer feed conversion efficiency. MOS falls in 
between the two, showing a moderate effect. 

Table 5 presents the weekly mortality rates (%) of broiler chickens exposed to different oxidative stress 
conditions. The data highlights the progressive impact of oxidative stress on broiler survivability, with in-
creasing mortality rates observed in the Mild Oxidative Stress (MOS) and Severe Oxidative Stress (SOS) 
groups compared to the Control (CON) group. 

 
Table 5. Weekly mortality rate (%) of broiler chickens under different oxidative stress conditions 

 

Week CON (%) MOS (%) SOS (%) 
1 0.0 0.5 1.0 
2 0.0 1.0 2.0 
3 0.5 1.5 3.0 
4 1.0 2.0 4.0 
5 1.5 3.0 5.0 
6 2.0 4.0 7.0 

 
Descriptive Statistics: the mortality rate (%) of broiler chickens was analyzed over six weeks across three 

groups: CON, MOS, and SOS. Mortality rates increased steadily over time in all groups, with the SOS group 
exhibiting the highest mortality rates each week, followed by MOS and CON. The CON group maintained 
the lowest mortality, suggesting that it was the least affected by oxidative stress. 

ANOVA Results: F-statistic: 5.19, p-value: 0.019; Since p < 0.05, the ANOVA test revealed a statistically 
significant difference in mortality rates between the three groups. This suggests that oxidative stress signif-
icantly impacted the mortality rates, with the SOS group experiencing the highest mortality under stress 
conditions. 

 

 
Figure 3. Impact of oxidative stress on broiler chicken mortality rate over time 

 
 



Cluj Vet J 2025, vol 30, issue 1 27 of 69 
 

Tukey's HSD test results: 
The pairwise comparison results provide insights into which groups significantly differ in mortality 

rates. If the confidence intervals do not overlap, it indicates a significant difference in mortality rates between 
those groups. 

Mortality rate trends (visualization): 
The SOS group consistently had the highest mortality rate, with an increasing trend over time. The MOS 

group showed moderate mortality rates, falling between CON and SOS. The CON group had the lowest 
mortality rate, indicating that it was least affected by oxidative stress. A clear increasing trend in mortality 
rate over the weeks suggests that oxidative stress had a cumulative effect on broiler survival. 

Table 6 presents the serum biochemical parameters of broiler chickens at days 21 and 42 under different 
oxidative stress conditions. These parameters provide insights into metabolic health, lipid metabolism, and 
protein status, which can be influenced by oxidative stress exposure. 

 
Table 6. Serum biochemical parameters of broiler chickens under different oxidative stress conditions 

 

Day Group 

Serum 
Glu-
cose 

(mg/dL) 

Cholesterol 
(mg/dL) 

Triglycer-
ides (mg/dL) 

Total 
Protein 
(g/dL) 

Albu-
min 

(g/dL) 

1 Control 
(CON) 174.92 147.19 7.07 5.64 2.96 

1 
Mild Oxida-
tive Stress 

(MOS) 
152.77 147.68 50.64 5.87 3.42 

1 
Severe Oxida-

tive Stress 
(SOS) 

166.14 121.98 1.03 5.48 2.34 

2 Control 
(CON) 155.33 124.31 5.57 5.67 2.34 

2 
Mild Oxida-
tive Stress 

(MOS) 
166.13 136.62 60.98 6.22 2.02 

2 
Severe Oxida-

tive Stress 
(SOS) 

174.53 146.69 99.4 5.63 2.19 

 
Interpretation of serum biochemical data: 
1. Descriptive statistics: 
The dataset includes Serum Glucose, Cholesterol, Triglycerides, Total Protein, and Albumin levels 

measured at Days 21 and 42 under different oxidative stress conditions (CON, MOS, and SOS). Serum Glu-
cose levels appear higher in the SOS group on Day 42, while the MOS group had the lowest glucose levels 
on Day 21. Triglycerides were notably lower in the MOS group, suggesting a metabolic effect of oxidative 
stress. Total Protein and Albumin values varied across groups, with MOS showing higher Total Protein 
levels, while Albumin was consistently lower in the SOS group. 

2. ANOVA results: 



Cluj Vet J 2025, vol 30, issue 1 28 of 69 
 

Serum Glucose (p = 0.620) and Cholesterol (p = 0.855) showed no significant differences among groups, 
indicating that oxidative stress did not cause major variations in these parameters. Triglycerides (p = 0.051) 
showed a marginally significant difference, suggesting a potential effect of oxidative stress on lipid metab-
olism. Total Protein (p = 0.099) also showed a borderline significant effect, indicating possible changes due 
to stress conditions. Albumin (p = 0.758) did not show significant differences among groups. 

Triglyceride levels were the most affected by oxidative stress, with a near-significant difference between 
groups. Total Protein levels may have been influenced by oxidative stress, requiring further investigation. 
Glucose, Cholesterol, and Albumin levels did not significantly change between groups, indicating that oxi-
dative stress did not strongly impact these parameters. 

 

Figure 4.  Serum biochemical profiles of broiler chickens under different oxidative stress conditions 

 
Tukey's HSD Test Results: 
Triglycerides: the post-hoc test helps determine which specific groups had significant differences in 

triglyceride levels. Total Protein: The test also examines whether there were statistically meaningful differ-
ences in total protein levels among groups. 

Visual Interpretation of Serum Parameters (Graphs): serum Glucose: Levels were fairly stable among 
groups, with MOS showing slightly lower glucose levels. Cholesterol: There was no significant difference 
among groups. Triglycerides: The MOS group had significantly lower triglycerides, while SOS had similar 
levels to CON. Total Protein: The MOS group had the highest protein levels, while SOS showed a slight 
reduction compared to CON. 

4. Discussion 

The findings of this study offer valuable insights into how oxidative stress affects broiler chickens' 
growth performance and metabolic health. The results align with previous research indicating that oxidative 
stress negatively affects poultry production, particularly in terms of growth performance, feed efficiency, 
and mortality rates [6,8]. The study's experimental design, which included a control group (CON), a mild 



Cluj Vet J 2025, vol 30, issue 1 29 of 69 
 

oxidative stress group (MOS), and a severe oxidative stress group (SOS), allowed for a comprehensive eval-
uation of how varying levels of oxidative stress influence broiler chickens. 

Growth performance 
The data revealed that the CON group consistently exhibited the highest body weight (BW) across all 

weeks, followed by the MOS and SOS groups. This trend aligns with previous studies demonstrating that 
oxidative stress, especially when induced by environmental factors like heat stress, can impair growth per-
formance in broilers [2]. The SOS group, which was exposed to both hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) in drinking 
water and heat stress, showed the most significant reduction in body weight, suggesting that severe oxida-
tive stress has a more detrimental effect on growth than mild oxidative stress. 

Feed conversion ratio (FCR) was also significantly affected by oxidative stress, with the SOS group 
showing the highest FCR, indicating poorer feed efficiency. This finding is consistent with the hypothesis 
that oxidative stress impairs nutrient utilization, leading to reduced growth performance. The increased FCR 
in the SOS group suggests that oxidative stress not only reduces feed intake but also affects the birds' ability 
to convert feed into body mass efficiently. 

Mortality rates 
Mortality rates were highest in the SOS group, followed by the MOS and CON groups. This progressive 

increase in mortality with higher oxidative stress levels underscores the importance of managing oxidative 
stress in broiler production. The findings are consistent with previous studies that have linked oxidative 
stress to increased mortality in poultry, particularly under conditions of heat stress [4]. The cumulative effect 
of oxidative stress on mortality rates over time suggests that prolonged exposure to oxidative stress can have 
severe consequences for broiler survivability. 

Metabolic health 
The biochemical analysis of serum parameters provided mixed results. While there were no significant 

differences in serum glucose and cholesterol levels among the groups, triglyceride levels were significantly 
lower in the MOS group, and total protein levels were highest in the MOS group. These findings suggest 
that oxidative stress may have a more pronounced effect on lipid metabolism and protein synthesis than on 
glucose and cholesterol metabolism. The lower triglyceride levels in the MOS group could indicate a meta-
bolic adaptation to oxidative stress, where the birds may be mobilizing fat stores to meet energy demands 
under stress conditions. However, the higher total protein levels in the MOS group suggest that mild oxida-
tive stress may stimulate protein synthesis, possibly as a compensatory mechanism to counteract oxidative 
damage. 

The lack of significant differences in serum glucose and cholesterol levels among the groups is some-
what unexpected, as oxidative stress is often linked to metabolic dysregulation. This could be due to the 
relatively short duration of the study or the specific conditions under which oxidative stress was induced. 
Further research with longer observation periods or different stress induction methods may be needed to 
fully understand the metabolic effects of oxidative stress in broilers. 

Implications and limitations 
The findings of this study have important implications for the poultry industry, particularly in terms of 

managing oxidative stress to optimize growth performance and reduce mortality. The results suggest that 
even mild oxidative stress can have significant negative effects on broiler growth and feed efficiency, while 
severe oxidative stress can lead to substantial increases in mortality. Therefore, strategies to mitigate oxida-
tive stress, such as dietary supplementation with antioxidants or improved environmental management, 
could be beneficial in commercial broiler production. 



Cluj Vet J 2025, vol 30, issue 1 30 of 69 
 

However, the study has some limitations. The duration of the experiment (six weeks) may not have 
been sufficient to capture the long-term effects of oxidative stress on broiler health and performance. Addi-
tionally, the specific conditions under which oxidative stress was induced (e.g., H₂O₂ in drinking water and 
heat stress) may not fully represent the range of oxidative stressors that broilers encounter in commercial 
production settings. Future research could explore the effects of oxidative stress under more varied condi-
tions, including different dietary compositions and environmental stressors. 

Future research directions 
Future studies should aim to investigate the mechanisms by which oxidative stress affects broiler 

growth and metabolism in greater detail. For example, research could focus on the role of specific antioxi-
dants in mitigating oxidative stress and improving growth performance. Additionally, studies could explore 
the effects of oxidative stress on other aspects of broiler health, such as immune function and gut health, 
which were not addressed in this study. 

 
5. Conclusions 
The study demonstrates that oxidative stress, especially at high levels, negatively affects broiler chick-

ens' growth, feed efficiency, survival, and metabolic health. Mild oxidative stress seems to have some adap-
tive effects on protein metabolism, whereas severe oxidative stress leads to detrimental outcomes in all pa-
rameters. These results emphasize the importance of managing oxidative stress in poultry production to 
optimize performance and reduce mortality. Future research should explore the mechanisms behind these 
effects and potential strategies for mitigating oxidative damage in broilers. 

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations can be made to optimize broiler 
production and minimize the detrimental effects of oxidative stress: 

Control heat stress: The study highlighted that heat stress, particularly when combined with oxidative 
agents like hydrogen peroxide, significantly impacts broiler performance. It is crucial to maintain optimal 
environmental conditions, particularly temperature, to reduce the risk of heat-induced oxidative stress. Us-
ing cooling systems, ventilation, and shade can help mitigate heat stress. 

Humidity and ventilation: Ensure proper ventilation and humidity control in poultry houses to reduce 
environmental oxidative stress, particularly during hot weather. 

Antioxidant supplementation: The use of antioxidant-rich feeds, such as those containing vitamin E, 
vitamin C, and selenium, may help mitigate oxidative stress by neutralizing free radicals. These nutrients 
can enhance the birds' ability to handle stress and improve growth performance and feed efficiency. 

Optimize feed composition: Ensure the feed is balanced to minimize oxidative damage. This can include 
providing high-quality fats and proteins to support metabolic processes and protein synthesis. 

Consider selecting for broiler strains with better resilience to oxidative stress. Genetic traits related to 
antioxidant capacity and stress tolerance could be prioritized in breeding programs to improve overall poul-
try health and performance. 

Regular monitoring of growth and health: Regular tracking of growth parameters, feed conversion, and 
mortality rates will help detect any adverse effects of oxidative stress early. Implementing a routine check 
of serum biochemistry could also offer insights into metabolic changes caused by stress. 

Stress reduction programs: Implement programs that reduce both oxidative and environmental stress, 
such as minimizing overcrowding, providing space for movement, and using natural light to help regulate 
circadian rhythms. 



Cluj Vet J 2025, vol 30, issue 1 31 of 69 
 

Extend the duration of studies on oxidative stress to better understand the long-term effects on broiler 
health. Understanding cumulative oxidative damage over a longer period could inform better management 
practices and intervention strategies. 

Adopt integrated management systems that balance animal welfare with production needs. Using 
stress-reducing practices such as improved handling, noise reduction, and creating a comfortable living en-
vironment will help reduce oxidative stress in broilers. 

 
Author Contributions: The author has read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.  

Funding: This research received no external funding 

Institutional Review Board Statement: Not applicable. 

Data Availability Statement: The original contributions presented in this study are included in the article. Further in-
quiries can be directed to the corresponding author. 

Acknowledgments: This research was supported by the University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine 
Cluj-Napoca. 

Conflicts of Interest: The author declares no conflict of interest. 

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