Effect of sweet chestnut tannin (SCT) on the performance, microbial status of intestine and histological characteristics of intestine wall in chickens

Abstract

1. In experiments carried out with 950 one-day-old male chickens, the effect of tannin supplementation (0, 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg) on performance, microbial status of chickens small intestine and colon of 28- and 41-d-old chickens, as well as histological changes of jejunum walls at 41 d and carcase quality were determined. 2. Application of 250 or 500 mg of sweet chestnut tannin per kg of feed had an insignificant effect on body weight and feed conversion of 41-d-old chickens (30 and 26%) in comparison to control birds. The highest tannin supplement (1000 mg/kg) reduced final body weight. 3. No effects of tannin supplementation on feed conversion and carcase quality were found. 4. Addition of tannin increased dry matter content of the litter by 88 (Group II) and 77% (Group III) when compared to control. 5. Higher doses of tannins significantly reduced the number of E. coli and coliform bacteria in small intestine of 28-d-old chickens; in other microorganisms great variability of microbial populations in small intestine and colon were observed. 6. The histologies of jejunal walls in chickens of control, II (250 mg/kg) and III (500 mg/kg) groups were similar. The structure was characteristic of correctly developed and functioning tissues and the villi were formed correctly. Tannin applied at the highest dose (1000 mg) slowed down the proliferation rate in the mother-cell zone. Single cells and enterocyte complexes showed the features characteristic of degradation processes. These unfavourable symptoms indicated some disturbances in intestinal wall morphology and function.

Effects of chestnut tannins on intestinal morphology, barrier function, pro‐inflammatory cytokine expression, microflora and antioxidant capacity in heat‐stressed broilers

“…Likewise, Jamroz et al. () observed that dietary CT supplementation at 250 mg/kg reduced the population of Escherichia coli in the small intestinal contents of broilers. Grape seed tannins were also reported to decrease the number of Clostridium in the ileum of broilers (Viveros et al., ).…”

Nutritional characteristics and quality of eggs from laying hens fed on a diet supplemented with chestnut tannin extract (Castanea sativaMiller)

“…The literature reported controversial data probably because tannin properties are strongly linked to their origin and some of them, when used in appropriate doses, may help prevent undesired intestinal microflora development (Scalbert, 1991;Chung et al, 1998). Several authors, investigating the influence of the polyphenol extract from chestnut wood, found that the use of these substances in poultry feeding did not affect nitrogen balance, nutrient digestibility, mineral bioavailability, body weight, feed conversion ratio and carcass quality (Salobir et al, 2008;Schiavone et al, 2008;Jamroz et al, 2009). Moreover, chestnut tannins (CTs) are also efficient against coccidiosis and necrotic enteritis in poultry (Elizondo et al, 2010;BoleHribovsek et al, 2012;Tosi et al, 2013).…”

Nutritional characterization of tannin rich chestnut (Castanea) and its meal for pig

“…In recent years, dietary roles of tannins have attracted more interest because they have beneficial effects on gastrointestinal parasites, antioxidant effect and animal performance (Koeleman 2008). Jamroz et al (2009) evaluated the application of sweet chestnut tannin (250/500 mg/kg) to poultry feed and showed the beneficial effects of chestnut on body weight and feed conversion. However, tannins were also considered as anti-nutritional substances to reduce the digestibility of proteins and growth performance in monogastric animals and ruminants (Smulikowska et al 2001).…”