Comparing the effects of a combined phytogenic feed additive with an individual essential oil of oregano on intestinal morphology and microflora in broilers

Abstract

The effects of dietary supplementation of oregano essential oil (OEO) and a commercial blend of phytogenic (CBP) on intestinal properties, the number of ileal Escherichia coli and Lactobacillus were investigated in broilers. Two hundred 1-d-old broiler chicks were assigned to 4 dietary treatments that include: (1) Control (without phytogenic), (2) CBP (150 ppm), (3) OEO (300 ppm) and (4) OEO (500 ppm). Each of the 4 diets was fed to 5 replicates of 10 chicks from hatching to 42 d of age. Jejunal and ileal villi height increased and mascularis thickness decreased by 300 ppm OEO; however, villi surface area and villus height to crypt depth ratio were higher and crypt depth was lower in jejunum compared with control or those fed CBP in the diet (P < .05). In comparison to broilers fed control, CBP and either level of OEO reduced (P < .01) ileal E. coli count at d 21, whereas Lactobacillus count was not different among treatments. From the results, it was concluded that supplementation of 300 ppm OEO in broilers' diet could improve morphometric parameters of the small intestine and reduce the presence of E. coil in ileal content.

Effect of pennyroyal, savory and thyme essential oils on Japanese quail physiology

“…So, changes in feed and feed additives may affect the morphology of intestine different parts. In this case, Mohiti-Asli and Ghanaatparast-Rashti (2018) compared the effects of a combined phytogenic feed additive (oregano, anise and citrus peel) with oregano essential oil on intestinal morphology in broilers. They reported that broilers fed 300 ppm individual oregano essential oil in their diet had larger villi height, villi surface area, villi height to crypt dept ratio and lower crypt dept in jejunum than those fed either control diet or combined phytogenic feed additive.…”

Enhanced modulation of gut microbial dynamics affecting body weight in birds triggered by natural growth promoters administered in conventional feed

“…Phytogenic feed additives increase the hydrophobicity of pathogenic bacterial species through modulating their cellular membrane, consequently affecting the surface properties of microbial cells. In this manner, they not only affect the virulence properties of harmful bacteria, but also play a crucial role in bacterial adhesion to mucosal cells, which is dependent on the hydrophobicity of microbial surface cells ( Mohiti-Asli and Ghanaatparast-Rashti, 2018 ). The present study used a blend of different phytogenics, which were recognized to deferentially inhibit pathogenic bacteria and promote beneficial bacterial growth in broiler gut ( Munir, 2015 ).…”

Comparative Efficacy of Selected Phytobiotics with Halquinol and Tetracycline on Gut Morphology, Ileal Digestibility, Cecal Microbiota Composition and Growth Performance in Broiler Chickens

“…Dietary supplementation of phytobiotics in broilers has considerable positive effects; their supplementation could improve gut health [ 14 , 15 , 16 ], positively modulate the dynamics of gut microbiota [ 17 ], and enhance feed efficiency [ 6 , 18 ], thus, increase growth performance [ 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 ]. Various studies have established the antibacterial efficacy of phytobiotics against pathogenic bacteria, such as Clostridium and E. coli , in broiler chickens [ 24 , 25 ].…”