Impact of varying levels of HepatoMax in drinking water on liver performance and blood profiles in broiler chickens

• HepatoMax improved growth performance and feed efficiency in broilers. • The 0.50 mL/L dose maximized carcass yield and reduced abdominal fat. • HepatoMax improved lipid profile by lowering TG, LDL, VLDL and cholesterol. • Liver enzymes and bilirubin fractions decreased, indicating better liver health. • Antioxidant status increased and lipid peroxidation (MDA) was reduced. This study evaluated the effects of increasing concentrations of HepatoMax, a standardized multi-component phytogenic supplement, on growth performance, carcass traits, lipid profile, hepatic enzymes, antioxidant status, serum metabolites, and multivariate physiological responses in broiler chickens. Birds received drinking water supplemented with 0.0, 0.25, 0.50, or 1.00 mL/L HepatoMax. Supplementation significantly improved performance parameters, with the 0.50 mL/L group showing the highest weight gain (2871 g; P < 0.0001) and improved feed conversion ratio (1.78 vs. 1.92 in control; P < 0.0001). Breast and thigh meat yield increased, while abdominal fat markedly decreased at the moderate dose (P < 0.0001). Blood lipid profiles were significantly improved, characterized by reductions in triglycerides, LDL, VLDL, and total cholesterol and increased HDL (P < 0.0001). Hepatic enzyme activities (AST, ALT, ALP) were substantially reduced, indicating enhanced liver function. Antioxidant status was markedly enhanced, as evidenced by higher GPX and SOD activities and lower MDA concentration, demonstrating reduced oxidative stress (P < 0.0001). Serum total protein, globulin, and albumin increased, whereas glucose and bilirubin fractions decreased, supporting improved metabolic regulation. Principal component analysis showed that the first two components explained 81.8% of total variance and clearly separated treatment groups. The primary axis reflected a contrast between metabolic stress indicators and growth–antioxidant efficiency, while the second axis was associated with lipid deposition and treatment response. Overall, HepatoMax supplementation, particularly at 0.50 mL/L, promoted coordinated improvements in growth performance, liver function, antioxidant capacity, and lipid metabolism.