Dietary supplementation of extracts of red sea weed (Kappaphycus alvarezii) improves growth, intestinal morphology, expression of intestinal genes and immune responses in broiler chickens

Abstract

BACKGROUNDEffects of supplementation of dried alkaline (referred to as MVP1) and aqueous (referred to as PBD1) extracts of Kappaphycus alvarezii, were evaluated in broiler (Vencobb 400) chickens (1–35 days post‐hatch). In experiment I, each of the seven diets (basal diet with three levels (0.5, 1.5 or 5.0 g kg−1 diet) of MVP1 or PBD1 and a negative control was fed to 12 pen replicates containing five birds in each. In experiment II, each of three diets [a negative control, and PBD1 at two levels (1.0 or 1.5 g kg−1 diet)] was fed to 16 pen replicates of five chicks in each.RESULTSConcentrations of total phenolics, phycobillins and free radical scavenging activity were higher (P < 0.01) whereas carrageenan was lower in PBD1 than in MVP1. In the experiment I, PBD1 at 1.5 g kg−1 diet improved (P < 0.05) body weight (BW) (7.11% higher). In the experiment II, both the treatments improved (P < 0.01) BW (9.18% and 8.47%, respectively) compared to the control. The group fed with PBD1@ 1.0 g kg−1 had higher (P < 0.05) haemagglutination inhibition titre, expression of intestinal claudin 2, TLR2A, NOD1, avian beta defensin 4, interleukin 2 and interleukin 6 genes than control. Treatments did not influence feed efficiency or levels of most of the antioxidant enzymes. Villus width and crypt depth were significantly higher in the group fed with 1.5 g kg−1 of PBD1.CONCLUSIONSupplementing dried aqueous extract of K. alvarezii at 1 g kg−1 diet may be an effective strategy to increase growth and immunity in broiler chickens. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry

Effects of brown seaweed products on growth performance, plasma biochemistry, immune response, and antioxidant capacity of broiler chickens challenged with heat stress

“…Our results showed that dietary supplementation of brown seaweed meal and extract did not influence antioxidant enzymes (GPx, GR, and SOD). This agrees with Paul et al (2020) that red seaweed ( Kappaphycus alvarezii ) did not affect most of the antioxidant enzymes in broiler chickens. In contrast, Kannan et al (2007) observed that the dietary supplementation of brown seaweed powder increased the antioxidant status of goats exposed to preslaughter stress.…”

Effects of Dietary Antimicrobial Growth Promoters on Performance Parameters and Abundance and Diversity of Broiler Chicken Gut Microbiome and Selection of Antibiotic Resistance Genes

“…Mortality was recorded daily, and the pen number, the wing band number, and BW of the dead birds were recorded. The feed conversion ratio was adjusted for mortality ( Paul et al, 2021b ). Cages were placed distantly so that there was no fecal contamination among pens.…”

Administration of Dietary Microalgae Ameliorates Intestinal Parameters, Improves Body Weight, and Reduces Thawing Loss of Fillets in Broiler Chickens: A Pilot Study

“…These microorganisms accumulate various phycobilins, including phycoerythrin, which is responsible for their red color [ 28 , 29 ]. These compounds are known for exerting growth promoting effects and improving intestinal morphology in broiler chickens [ 51 ]. Oligosaccharides are reported to enhance intestinal structures [ 52 ].…”