A multivariate PCA-based evaluation of betaine, vitamin C, and phytogenic (STRESS-BIOMax) - supplemented drinking water in broilers?
- 1Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zabol, Sistan, Iran.
- 2Department of Animal and Poultry Physiology, Faculty of Animal Science, Gorgan University of Agricultural Science and Natural Resources and Research and Development Department, Makian Rooyesh Darou Co, Gorgan, Golestan, Iran.
Abstract
Physiological and metabolic disturbances can impair growth and oxidative balance in broilers. This study evaluated the effects of Stress-BioMax (SBM) supplementation in drinking water (0.00, 0.25, 0.50, and 1.00 mL/L) on growth performance, carcass traits, biochemical indices, oxidative status, and systemic physiological responses. SBM is a drinking-water additive containing betaine, vitamin C, and herbal extracts. Principal component analysis (PCA), quadratic regression, and segmented regression were used to assess dose-dependent responses and identify the optimal supplementation range. SBM significantly improved body weight gain and feed efficiency without affecting feed intake. The 0.50 mL/L dose produced the greatest body weight gain (3082 g) and the lowest feed conversion ratio (1.62; P < 0.001). Carcass and muscle yields increased, while abdominal fat and organ percentages decreased (P < 0.001). Serum protein status and lipid profiles improved, with reduced triglycerides, LDL, VLDL, cholesterol, glucose, bilirubin, and cortisol, alongside increased HDL and triiodothyronine levels (P < 0.001). Antioxidant capacity increased, malondialdehyde concentrations decreased, and hepatic enzyme activities were reduced, indicating improved oxidative balance and liver function. PCA suggested a dose-dependent reduction in the composite physiological burden, with the minimum occurring near 0.62 to 0.66 mL/L. Overall, Stress-BioMax enhanced growth performance, metabolic health, antioxidant status, and physiological resilience in broilers.
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BibTeX
@article{asgharimoghadam2026multivariate,
title = {{A multivariate PCA-based evaluation of betaine, vitamin C, and phytogenic (STRESS-BIOMax) - supplemented drinking water in broilers?}},
author = {Morteza Asghari-Moghadam and Hamid-Reza Behboodi and Mehran Mehri},
journal = {PLOS One},
year = {2026},
month = nov,
doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0357659},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0357659},
note = {CC BY},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - A multivariate PCA-based evaluation of betaine, vitamin C, and phytogenic (STRESS-BIOMax) - supplemented drinking water in broilers?
AU - Morteza Asghari-Moghadam
AU - Hamid-Reza Behboodi
AU - Mehran Mehri
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/11/02
JO - PLOS One
DO - 10.1371/journal.pone.0357659
UR - https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0357659
AB - Physiological and metabolic disturbances can impair growth and oxidative balance in broilers. This study evaluated the effects of Stress-BioMax (SBM) supplementation in drinking water (0.00, 0.25, 0.50, and 1.00 mL/L) on growth performance, carcass traits, biochemical indices, oxidative status, and systemic physiological responses. SBM is a drinking-water additive containing betaine, vitamin C, and herbal extracts. Principal component analysis (PCA), quadratic regression, and segmented regression were used to assess dose-dependent responses and identify the optimal supplementation range. SBM significantly improved body weight gain and feed efficiency without affecting feed intake. The 0.50 mL/L dose produced the greatest body weight gain (3082 g) and the lowest feed conversion ratio (1.62; P < 0.001). Carcass and muscle yields increased, while abdominal fat and organ percentages decreased (P < 0.001). Serum protein status and lipid profiles improved, with reduced triglycerides, LDL, VLDL, cholesterol, glucose, bilirubin, and cortisol, alongside increased HDL and triiodothyronine levels (P < 0.001). Antioxidant capacity increased, malondialdehyde concentrations decreased, and hepatic enzyme activities were reduced, indicating improved oxidative balance and liver function. PCA suggested a dose-dependent reduction in the composite physiological burden, with the minimum occurring near 0.62 to 0.66 mL/L. Overall, Stress-BioMax enhanced growth performance, metabolic health, antioxidant status, and physiological resilience in broilers.
SN - 1932-6203
ER -