Dietary Supplementation of Benzoic Acid and Essential Oil Compounds Affects Buffering Capacity of the Feeds, Performance of Turkey Poults and Their Antioxidant Status, pH in the Digestive Tract, Intestinal Microbiota and Morphology

Abstract

Three trials were conducted to evaluate the effect of supplementation of a basal diet with benzoic acid or thymol or a mixture of essential oil blends (MEO) or a combination of benzoic acid with MEO (BMEO) on growth performance of turkey poults. Control groups were fed a basal diet. In trial 1, benzoic acid was supplied at levels of 300 and 1,000 mg/kg. In trial 2, thymol or the MEO were supplied at levels of 30 mg/kg. In trial 3, the combination of benzoic acid with MEO was evaluated. Benzoic acid, MEO and BMEO improved performance, increased lactic acid bacteria populations and decreased coliform bacteria in the caeca. Thymol, MEO and BMEO improved antioxidant status of turkeys. Benzoic acid and BMEO reduced the buffering capacity compared to control feed and the pH values of the caecal content. Benzoic acid and EOs may be suggested as an effective alternative to AGP in turkeys.

Effects of two sources of Mexican oregano oil on performance, blood profile, carcass variables, and meat of broilers

“…In the current study, linear effects of treatments for broiler BW and FI were similar to those reported by Hashemipour et al (2013), Giannenas et al (2014), Hossain et al (2014), and Alba et al (2015), using natural compounds to enhance broiler performance. The R 2 values showed that the best analysis for treatments is the linear model, while the linear, quadratic, and cubic models were useful for indicating broiler performance over time.…”

Avian rotavirus enteritis – an updated review

“…Experimental study with herbs like Stevia rebaudiana, Alpinia katsumadai, Citrus aurantium, soy isoflavones, Achillea kellalensis Boiss and black tea revealed in vitro activity against human RV and found to be effective to prevent infection with minimal toxicity (Andres et al 2007;Kim et al 2012). Various essential oils are being used as antimicrobial agents (Li et al 2013;Gopi et al 2014;Giannenas et al 2014). Recently, bio engineered probiotics are also being studied for their efficacy to prevent rotaviral and other enteric diseases.…”

Citrus Peel Oils Supplementation in Broiler Diet: Effects on Performance, Jejunum Microflora and Jejunum Morphology

“…It is reported that herbal extracts or active substances may increase feed intake and may improve secretion of endogenous digestive enzymes (Craig, 1999;Jamroz et al, 2003). Besides that, it has been reported that essential oils have antibacterial effects in chickens (Cowan, 1999;Faleiro et al, 2003;Bölükbaşi et al, 2008Bölükbaşi et al, , 2009Giannenas et al, 2014;Skoufos et al, 2016).…”