By M.V. Sergio Aliaga – Poultry Research and Technical Specialist, Levania S.A.C.

In modern poultry farming, productive efficiency and animal welfare are fundamental pillars of profitability. Within this complex system, there is an organ that is often underestimated but essential: the liver.

This biochemical laboratory plays a central role in most vital metabolic processes, directly impacting feed conversion, weight gain, egg quality, and disease resistance.

The Liver’s Functions in Poultry

The liver is a multifunctional yet vulnerable organ, responsible for:

• Metabolism: synthesis and transport of lipids, carbohydrates, and proteins, crucial for egg production and growth.

• Detoxification: neutralizes toxins and drugs that could harm the bird.

• Immunity: contributes to the immune response against intestinal pathogens.

• Energy regulation: maintains balance between glycogen reserves and glucose production.

Main Challenges for Liver Health

Poultry raised under intensive production systems face several challenges that can affect liver health, including:

• Fatty Liver Hemorrhagic Syndrome (FLHS) in high-production layers.

• Mycotoxicosis caused by contaminated feed.

• Viral and bacterial infections demanding strong liver response.

• Nutritional and management factors, such as feed changes, antibiotic treatments, or critical production stages (starter phase in broilers, peak lay in layers).

Strategic Additives for Liver Support

Nutrition plays a key role in preventing and protecting liver health. Some of the most effective additives include:

• Choline: supports triglyceride and cholesterol transport, preventing fat accumulation in the liver.

• Methionine: essential for protein and antioxidant synthesis, while aiding detoxification processes.

• Carnitine: enhances fat utilization as an energy source and reduces lipid accumulation.

• Silymarin (Milk Thistle): powerful natural antioxidant and liver regenerator.

• Artichoke extract: stimulates bile production and flow, aiding fat digestion and toxin elimination.

Investing in Liver Health: A Synonym for Productivity

A healthy liver translates into:

• Better feed conversion.

• Increased weight gain and egg production.

• Reduced mortality and morbidity.

• Greater resistance to pathogens.

• Improved carcass and egg quality.

Our Proposal

At Levania, we understand that liver health is essential for sustainable and efficient poultry production. That is why we offer Hepavex and Livervital, solutions formulated with the above-mentioned additives to protect and strengthen liver function in poultry.

Contact us to learn how our products can help maximize flock productivity.

Technical article by M.V. Sergio Aliaga – Poultry Research and Technical Specialist, Levania S.A.C.
Originally published in Actualidad Avipecuaria, Mar/Apr 2025 edition.