The Role of Vitamin C in Mitigating Stress in Poultry: A Comprehensive Review

¹Faculty of Livestock & Range Management, Ghazi University Dera Ghazi Khan, Pakistan

²Department of Livestock & Dairy Development Quetta, Pakistan

³University of Verona, Italy

*Corresponding author: Mamoona Arshad, University of Verona, Italy, Phone: +923005662008, E-mail: [email protected]

Received Date: August 28, 2025

Published Date: October 17, 2025

Citation: Yasoob TB, et al. (2025). The Role of Vitamin C in Mitigating Stress in Poultry: A Comprehensive Review. Mathews J Vet Sci. 9(7):88.

Copyrights: Yasoob TB, et al. © (2025).

ABSTRACT

Stress refers to the adverse physiological effects induced by different environmental and management conditions on animal health and performance. These challenges induce oxidative stress by disrupting antioxidant homeostasis, a condition exacerbated by the depletion of plasma antioxidants, including vitamins C and E, folic acid, and zinc. Prevalent stressors encompass transport-related variables, including thermal and humidity fluctuations, handling deficiencies, feed and water withdrawal, vehicular inadequacies, motion, and noise, as well as pathological states such as coccidiosis, vaccination, and confinement. Live birds of all ages are mostly transported by road across ecological zones increases, so does associated mortality, with outcomes ranging from diminished welfare to severe morbidity and death. The present review synthesized current knowledge on the role of vitamin C in mitigating stress in poultry, highlighting its potential for future research. Evidence indicated that dietary supplementation of 100-200 mg/kg vitamin C effectively alleviates stress-related impairments, enhancing poultry productivity.

Keywords: Ascorbic Acid, Heat Stress, Immune Function, Poultry Stress, Vitamin C.