Effects of an organic acid mixture and methionine supplements on intestinal morphology, protein and nucleic acids content, microbial population and performance of broiler chickens

Abstract

A study was carried out to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation of an organic acids mixture and two methionine supplements on intestinal morphology, protein and nucleic acids content, microbial population and performance of broiler chickens. Six hundred unsexed day-old Ross 308 broiler chicks were used in a factorial arrangement (3 × 2) based on a completely randomised design by four replicates with 25 chicks in each. Experimental diets consisted of: 0% organic acid mixture + DL-methionine (Treatment 1), 0% organic acid mixture + Alimet (Treatment 2), 0.5% organic acid mixture + DL-methionine (Treatment 3), 0.5% organic acid mixture + Alimet (Treatment 4), 1% organic acid mixture + DL-methionine (Treatment 5) and 1% organic acid mixture + Alimet (Treatment 6). A significant increase in jejunum mucosal DNA content was found by using 1% of organic acid mixture compared with those by other levels of organic acids at 21 days of age (P < 0.05). Also Treatments 5 and 6 had a higher mucosal DNA content than other treatments (P < 0.05) in a similar period. While at grower stage, the results have shown that protein content, protein/DNA and protein/RNA ratio by 0.5 and 1% of organic acids mixture significantly increased compared with those in the 0% level (P < 0.05). The addition of 1% level of organic acid mixture significantly increased villus height compared with 0 and 0.5% level of organic acid mixture at 21 days of age (P < 0.05). Highest and lowest villus heights were obtained by Treatments 1 and 6 (P < 0.05). Crypt depth increased by 0.5 and 1% of organic acid at 21 and 42 days of age (P < 0.05). Villus surface was significantly increased by 1% of organic acid mixture compared with that by 0% level at 21 days of age. The use of organic acid levels especially 1% resulted in an increase in lactic acid bacteria and decreased Enterobacteriaceae counts in the ileum of broiler chicken (P < 0.05). Better bodyweight and feed conversion ratio were obtained (P < 0.05) by 0.5 and 1% of organic acids mixture, although no response was found in feed intake and mortality in this respect (P > 0.05). The results of this study have shown improved reactions on intestinal morphometrical parameters and microflora atmosphors, by using 1% organic acid mixture. In contrast no differences were found between Alimet and DL-methionine in all tested parameters.

Using Natural and Synthetic Antioxidants in Low-Protein Diets to Improve the Performance of Broiler and Reduce Lost Nitrogen in Feces

“…Takahashi and Hiraga (1981) described a reduction in body weight gain in rats dosed with a lower level of 918 mg BHT/ kg/ day for a week better weight gain observed in the group III fed BHT at 130 mg/ kg level might have been due to hepatic microsomal enzyme induction at lower doses. The improvement in LBW are in accord with results of Saki et al (2011), Wickramasinghe et al (2014) and Mohamed et al (2016). Body weight gain of broiler chicks for T4 was significantly (P ≤ 0.05) increased as compared to that of the T1, T2 and T3 during total period (2-36 days) and this is may be due to the more essential oil (EO) of pulicaria undulata aerial parts exhibited activity broiler -performance -antioxidant -blood -manure characteristics.…”

“…Data exposed that PI was increased (P ≤ 0.05) in chicks group T4, at 36 days old. With this regards, (Saki, et al, 2011) reported that the results of broilers index productions were significantly declined by fasting treatments rather than others at 21 and 42 days of age (P ≤ 0.05).…”

ALIMET® (análogo líquido de metionina hidroxilada) en el sistema inmunitario, población de microflora y rendimiento de broilers

“…For many years, synthetic Met sources have been commonly supplied as either DL-Met or DL-2-hydroxy-4-(methylthio) butanoic acid (DL-HMB) which latter is added in a liquid free acid form or in a dry form as calcium salt. ALIMET ® , 88 % aqueous solution of DL-HMB (Martin-Venegas et al, 2006), is a commercial Met source which used in broiler chicken diets (Saki et al, 2011). It is not an amino acid but rather an organic acid in that it bears a hydroxyl group on α-carbon instead of the amino group found in Met (Yi et al, 2007).…”

Effect of different levels of organic acids in the diets of hens on laying performance, egg quality criteria, blood parameters, and intestinal histomorphology

“…In another study, Esmaeilipour et al (2012) found that supplementation of the diets of broilers with citric acid and xylanase did not have a significant effect on the relative lengths of the small intestine. Saki et al (2011) reported that the addition of 1% level of organic acid mixture significantly increased villus height and crypt depth of broiler chicken. Senköylü et al (2007) found that a combination of different OAs significantly increased the VH in broilers.…”