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.
