Assessment of a natural, non-antibiotic blend on performance, blood biochemistry, intestinal microflora, and morphology of broilers challenged with Escherichia coli

Abstract

-The effect of a non-antibiotic growth-promoting component composed of natural phytomolecules, directfed microbials, glucomannan oligosaccharides, and organic acids on the performance, intestinal morphology and microbiology, plasma biochemistry, enzyme activities, visceral organ weights, and immune response of commercial broilers challenged with Escherichia coli was investigated. Three hundred and sixty one-day old male Ross 308 broiler chicks were randomly divided into basal diet (control, CON); control plus 0.5 mL of culture materials containing 10 8 cfu/mL of E. coli (E. coli); control with 400 mg/kg bacitracin methylene disalicylate (an antibiotic growth promoter, AGP); control plus 1000 g/t of feed of a blended mixture of natural feed additives (NAT); combination of E. coli and AGP treatments (E. coli + AGP); or the combination of E. coli and NAT treatments (E. coli + NAT). E. coli injection decreased broiler performance by lowering body weight and increasing feed intake, whereas AGP and NAT treatments improved body weight and the feed efficiency when compared to the other groups. However, feed intake was not affected by treatment. Immune response also improved with the addition of NAT, compared with control. Blood biochemistry parameters were significantly affected by the treatments. Nutrient digestibilities were increased by AGP and NAT supplementation in E. coli-challenged groups. Both AGP and NAT significantly decreased E. coli and coliform numbers in ceca. Ileal villus height was not affected by treatment, but ileal crypt depth and goblet cell counts decreased in the NAT relative to control group. Antibiotic growth promoter was somewhat more effective in improving broiler growth and health characteristics than NAT, but since NAT generally improved broiler performance compared to the control group, it can be alternatively used as an alternative to AGP in commercial broiler production.

Impact of dietary Mannan-oligosaccharide and β-Glucan supplementation on growth, histopathology, E-coli colonization and hepatic transcripts of TNF-α and NF- ϰB of broiler challenged with E. coli O78

“…Cloacae bursa plays a crucial role in the poultry immune system. In addition, the bursal weight reflects the anatomical response to immune status in broilers [14]. In the present investigation, there were significant decreases in thymus and bursa's weights versus body weight in the control infected group, which was supported by Gottardo et al [31].…”

“…Regarding results of E. coli colonization, the higher colonization rates of E. coli in different organs of control infected group was in the respiratory tract, fecal swab, liver, and spleen where avian pathogenic E. coli cause severe respiratory and systemic diseases in poultry [30]. This result is in harmony with that of Manafi et al [14]. However, this colonization was decreased by agrimos ® dietary supplementation, which was supported by the results of Sohail et al [13].…”

“…In the present investigation, there were significant decreases in thymus and bursa's weights versus body weight in the control infected group, which was supported by Gottardo et al [31]. However, these results are incompatible with those obtained by Manafi et al [14]. Also, the spleen's weight versus body weight in the control infected group significantly increased on day 15 then decreased on day 35.…”

Targeted-Release Organic Acids and Essential Oils Improve Performance and Digestive Function in Broilers under a Necrotic Enteritis Challenge

“…Salts of some of these acids have been shown to enhance broilers performance, and short-chain carboxylic organic acids, such as sorbic and fumaric acids containing double bonds, also have antifungal activity [36]. The principal mode of action of organic acids is that non-dissociated forms can diffuse through lipophilic bacteria, mold membranes, disrupt the enzymatic reaction, and disorder transport systems of the bacteria [37]. Following the penetration of organic acids into bacterial cytoplasm, the non-ionized ones decompose to H (H+) ions and (A−) ions, resulting in a decline of the pH inside the bacteria.…”

Evaluation of Anherbal Compound, a Commercial Probiotic, and an Antibiotic Growth Promoter on the Performance, Intestinal Bacterial Population, Antibody Titers, and Morphology of the Jejunum and Ileum of broilers

“…Thymol and carvacrol in medicinal herbs added to broiler feeds stimulate digestion and increase daily feed intake and overall performance (Cabuk et al, 2006). Manafi et al(2016) reported that thyme affected the gastrointestinal tract, particularly the intestine, increasing the secretion of digestive enzymes like amylase and chymotrypsin.…”