Effects of Cannabis sativa extract on growth performance, meat physicochemical properties, and oxidative status in chickens challenged with Clostridium perfringens and lipopolysaccharide

The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of a Cannabis sativa extract rich in cannabidiol in the diet of chickens under induced stress conditions. This was achieved through the administration of subclinical doses of inflammation-inducing Clostridium perfringens bacteria and lipopolysaccharide, which are commonly found in poultry production. A total of 204 male Ross (line 308) chicks were divided into 6 groups, with variations in Cannabis sativa extract addition (30 g/1000 g of feed on top) and stress induction methods. At 21 and 22 days of age the birds from the CH1 group were infected (per os) with 1 mL of inoculum (brain-heart infusion medium) containing approximately 10⁸ CFU/mL of C. perfringens. At the same times birds of group CH2 were per os administered lipopolysaccharide in a dose of 1 mL containing 250 μg/kg body weight of. The results indicate that incorporating a 30 g/1000 g Cannabis sativa extract (CBD) additive in chicken diets leads to an increase in ultimate body weight and maintains weight under stressed conditions (P<0.05), without adverse effects on slaughter analysis. Moreover, CBD supplementation does not significantly affect (P>0.05) the physical and chemical parameters or primary composition of breast muscle and liver. However, it may alter the n-6/n-3 acid ratio. Additionally, CBD supplementation helps maintain blood biochemical and antioxidant parameters, supporting overall chicken body homeostasis stressed. Incorporating Cannabis sativa extracts at 30 g/1000 g of feed presents a potential protective measure to enhance poultry farming in challenging intensive production conditions.