Effects of a bioactive olive pomace extract from Olea europaea on growth performance, gut function, and intestinal microbiota in broiler chickens

Abstract

The present study aims to investigate the effects of supplementing broiler diets with a bioactive olive pomace extract ( OE ) from Olea europaea on growth performance, digestibility, gut microbiota, bile acid composition, and immune response. To this end, three hundred and six 1-day-old broiler chickens (Ross 308) were housed in floor pens (6 pens/treatment, with 17 birds/pen). Animals were fed with a standard non-medicated starter diet for 21 D, and from 22 to 42 D of age with their respective experimental diet: a negative control with no additives (Control), a positive control with 100 ppm of monensin (Monensin) and the basal diet supplemented with 750 ppm of an OE (Lucta S.A., Spain). Feed intake and growth rate were monitored weekly throughout the trial. From 21 to 42 D of age, no significant differences in feed intake were observed among dietary treatments; however, lower average daily gain and higher feed conversion ratio ( P < 0.05) was observed in birds fed the Control compared to Monensin and OE groups. Performance of birds fed OE or Monensin was similar throughout the trial. The apparent ileal digestibility of crude protein was higher in birds fed Monensin than Control treatment ( P < 0.05). No significant changes on bacterial composition at a family level were observed in the caeca of birds fed the experimental diets. Moreover, no significant differences on plasma and intestinal bile acid composition were observed among treatments. Birds fed the OE showed a significant decrease of IL-8 expression in the ileum ( P < 0.05). Additionally, the expression of TGF-β4, and Bu-1 was significantly upregulated ( P < 0.01) in broilers fed the OE and Monensin diets compared to those fed the Control. In conclusion, the inclusion of 750 ppm of a bioactive olive pomace extract from Olea europaea in broiler chicken diets improved animal growth likely as result of its anti-inflammatory properties.

Diet Supplementation with a Bioactive Pomace Extract from Olea europaea Partially Mitigates Negative Effects on Gut Health Arising from a Short-Term Fasting Period in Broiler Chickens

“…Moreover, the inclusion of OE increased Bu-1 expression, suggesting a stimulatory effect on humoral immunity. An immunosuppressant effect on IL-8 and a stimulatory effect on Bu-1 have been observed in our previous study with broilers fed an olive pomace extract in the growing phase [17]. Furthermore, increased B-cell markers has been previously described in broiler chickens fed plant extracts rich in polyphenolic compounds [47].…”

“…Furthermore, King et al [45] reported no significant differences in broiler performance after supplementing an olive pomace extract in water. By contrast, Herrero-Encinas et al [17] were able to detect higher ADG and better FCR in broiler chickens fed 1000 ppm of a bioactive extract from Olea europaea from 35 to 42 d of age. Moreover, utilization of olive leaf extracts in broilers' diet improved FCR and body weight in the study of Sarica and Ürmez [46].…”

“…Bioactive compounds of olive pomace have shown immunomodulatory effects in broiler chickens, pigs, calves and fish by reducing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and increasing the anti-inflammatory cytokines [15][16][17][18]. Interestingly, broiler chickens fed OE500F showed a significant down-regulation of ileal IL-8 expression, compared with birds in the CF and OE1500F.…”

“…During the last years, many studies have focused on the utilization of these by-products in poultry feeding, showing positive effects in broiler chickens' growth performance and antioxidant capacity [11,12], or enhancing egg weight, yolk index, intestinal absorption capacity with no negative effects on laying hens' performance [13,14]. Moreover, several authors have tested different olive pomace extracts in broiler chickens, pigs, cattle and sea bream, showing positive results in intestinal health, gut integrity and innate immune functions [15][16][17][18].…”

Effects on Intestinal Mucosal Morphology, Productive Parameters and Microbiota Composition after Supplementation with Fermented Defatted Alperujo (FDA) in Laying Hens

“…One of the proposed uses of olive oil by-products is in animal feed supplementation, and several studies have tested their effects in various animal species including poultry [13]. In broiler chickens, feed supplemented with alperujo have been demonstrated to improve productive performance parameters [14,15], and enhance redox status in tissues [16,17]. In addition, alperujo has been shown to possess anti-coccidial proprieties [18].…”