21/06/2023
THE LIVER
This is the largest solid organ of the body
-A multifunctional organ performing over 500 functions(industrial area)
KEY FUNCTIONS INCLUDE
-Biliary secretion.Bile is released into the duodenum where it facilitates digestion.Bile also contains antibodies for immunity
-Detoxification of toxic molecules e.g drugs,antibiotics,anticoccidiostats.In the liver these substances undergo biotransformation into non-toxic forms that are excreted through the bile
-Carbohydrate metabolism.Excess glucose is converted to glycogen and stored on the liver.When glucose level falls,glycogen is converted to glucose
-Protein metabolism.90% of plasma proteins are synthesized in the liver.most of these proteins are immunity effectors
-Lipid metabolism.synthesis of lipoproteins,phospholipids and cholesterol occurs here.All these molecules are critical cellular components
-key role in immune response.Liver stores many lymphocytes and other antigen presenting cell
Genetic selection for high production means constant high metabolic demands on the liver of commercial poultry.
As such the liver is constantly faced with various challenges e.g mycotoxins in feed,toxins from infectious agents/bacteria,Free radicals ,and the risk of fat infiltration due to poorly balanced feeds.All these dangers compromise the functionality of the liver,sometimes causing irreversible liver damage.
A damaged liver affects
-growth
-productivity
-immunity
STRATEGIES FOR PRESERVATION OF LIVER FUNCTION
-Avoid excess fat and other hepatotoxic substances(drugs,bacterial toxins,mycotoxins,free radicals)( not practical,too ideal)
-provide lipotropic substances in the diet and other helpful liver pronutrients(choline,vit. B6,pantothenic acid,biotin,vit E,Ammonium chloride etc.( Most practical&commercially feasible)
LIVER CONDITIONER PRONUTRIENTS
These are active molecules that optimize the functioning of organs in a natural way.
These pronutrients act at the genetic level .
