Effect of herbal feed additives on performance parameters, intestinal microbiota, intestinal morphology and meat lipid oxidation of broiler chickens

Abstract

1. This feeding trial investigated the effects of herbal feed additives on performance of broiler chickens, jejunal and caecal microbiota, jejunal morphology, meat chemical composition and oxidative stability during refrigerated storage. 2. In a 42 days trial, 320 one-day-old broiler chickens were randomly allocated to 4 groups with 4 replicate pens each containing 20 chicks. The control group was fed maize-soybean-based diets. The diets of the other three groups were supplemented with herbal feed additives: HRB1 with Stresomix (0.5 g/kg feed); HRB2 with Ayucee (1.0 g/kg feed); HRB3 with Salcochek Pro (1.0 g/kg feed). The GC/MS analysis of the feed additives showed that the major components of HRB1 were β-caryophyllene (14.4%) and menthol (9.8%); HRB2 were n-hexadecanoic acid (14.22%) and β-caryophyllene (14.4%); and HRB3 were menthol (69.6%) and clavicol methyl ether (13.9%). 3. Intestinal samples were taken at 42 day to determine bacterial populations (total aerobe counts, Lactobacilli, and Escherichia coli) and perform gut morphology analysis. Meat samples were analysed for chemical composition and oxidative stability under storage. 4. The HRB1 group had improved (P < 0.05) body weight gain and tended to have improved (0.05 ≤ P < 0.10) feed conversion ratio, compared to the control group. Jejunum lactic acid bacteria counts were increased (P < 0.001) in groups HRB1 and HRB3, compared to the control group, whereas caecal lactic acid bacteria counts tended to increase (0.05 ≤ P < 0.10) in group HRB1, compared to the control group. Breast meat fat content tended to be lower (0.05 ≤ P < 0.10) in group HRB1. Meat oxidative stability was improved (P < 0.001), and jejunum villus height, crypt depth and goblet cells numbers were increased (P < 0.001) in all three herbal supplemented groups, compared to the control. 5. In conclusion, herbal feed additives may be able to improve both growth performance and antioxidant activity of broiler chickens, based on their phenolic compound content.

Efficacy of a Dietary Polyherbal Formula on the Performance and Gut Health in Broiler Chicks after Experimental Infection with Eimeria spp.

“…We found that a dysbiosis was present in the infected control, whereas increased numbers of lactic acid bacteria were identified in the groups receiving the dietary polyherbal formula. These results are in agreement with our previous studies, where similar herbal mixtures increased lactic acid bacteria [12,50].…”

Phytobiotic Effect of Anacardium occidentale L. Leaves Powder on Performance, Carcass Traits, and Intestinal Characteristics in Broilers

“…Clearly, it is observed that the dietary supplementation with CLP improved the growth of the cecal LABs and gut health in broilers, which is related to the higher percentage of viability with T1, as well as some changes in the carcass traits in the treatments where this natural product was used (Table 3, 4 and 5). According to Rafeeq et al (2016) and Giannenas et al (2018) the use of phytobiotic additives (from Cuminum cyminum L., Foeniculum vulgare Mill. and Achillea wilhemsii C. Koch; Magnifera indica L., Withania somnifera L., Phyllanthus emblica L. and Ocimum sanctum L., respectively), increased the cecal lactic acid bacteria (LABs) count, which improved intestinal permeability and nutrient digestibility.…”

In vitro Anticoccidial Study of Oregano and Garlic Essential Oils and Effects on Growth Performance, Fecal Oocyst Output, and Intestinal Microbiota in vivo

“…However, the use of anticoccidial substances and ionophores is still permitted in broiler feeds within the EU. It must be noted that a different legislation frame exists in Canada, the USA, and some other parts of the world regarding drug-free broiler chicken production, where use of anticoccidial as well as antibacterial drugs is restricted (1,2). This situation represents a great challenge to the poultry industry; coccidiosis persists as a problem and remains a major predisposing factor for the occurrence of necrotic enteritis and other pathogenic diseases (3,4).…”