Effects of Dietary Chicory (Chicorium intybus L.) and Probiotic Blend as Natural Feed Additives on Performance Traits, Blood Biochemistry, and Gut Microbiota of Broiler Chickens

Abstract

The experiment was designed to determine the effect of different levels of chicory (Chicorium intybus L.) powder and a probiotic blend (PrimaLac®) on productive performance, blood biochemical parameters, and ileal microbiota in broiler chickens. A total of 225 one-day-old broilers (Ross 308) were used in a completely randomized design with five experimental diets as follows: 1—basal-diet without supplements (control-group); 2—basal-diet including probiotic blend; 3— basal-diet including 0.10% chicory; 4—basal-diet including 0.15% chicory; 5—basal-diet including 0.20% chicory. At 42 days of age, representative birds per replicate were randomly selected for blood samples and carcass measurements. Results showed that the body weight gain of broilers fed the probiotic blend or 0.10% chicory was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than those fed on the other treatments. The abdominal fat pad was significantly (P < 0.05) lower in birds fed diets including chicory compared with control or probiotic. Blood triglycerides and LDL levels were reduced (P < 0.05) and HDL increased (P < 0.05) when fed probiotic or chicory whereas no significant effect on the other serum parameters was found. Broiler ileal microflora from the control group had significantly (P < 0.05) higher count of E. coli and lower Lactobacillus than those from the other groups. From findings, it is possible to conclude that dietary chicory powder supported positively growth performance and improved gut microbiota in broiler chickens. However, more research is needed on this subject to better understand the mode of action of feed additives used.

Effect of dietary supplementation of garlic powder and phenyl acetic acid on productive performance, blood haematology, immunity and antioxidant status of broiler chickens

“…The usage of antibiotics as growth promoters in broiler diet has been forbid because the anxiety of their residues in poultry tissues which lead to the inducement of new strains of microorganism resistant of antibiotic [ 1 ]. Poultry meat and egg production, still pain from great losses due to food contamination with harmful bacteria and their influences also on the poultry performance, such as decrease weight and increase of mortality rate [ 2 ]. The use of natural feed additives and growth promoters from different sources in animal feeds is an effective way to enhance nutrient utilization and to reduce the antibiotic residues.…”

Effect of Dietary Supplementation with Moringa oleifera Leaves and/or Seeds Powder on Production, Egg Characteristics, Hatchability and Blood Chemistry of Laying Japanese Quails

“…Therefore, the use of antibiotics as a growth stimulant in animal feed was banned in Europe. Revolution in animal feed production has resulted in the development of feed additives in the forms of phytogenics [2,3]. Herbs and their metabolites (known as bioactive substances) play a good role as feed additives.…”

“…These bioactive compounds such as carotenoids, flavonoids, and herbal oils help enhance animal health and productivity to yield safe and healthy products [4]. The essential role of these active compounds is to dampen microbes and toxins in the gut and promote effectiveness of the pancreas, resulting in good metabolism of nutrients [3,5]. Medicinal plants contain several phytochemicals and bioactive compounds such as trace metal ions, alkaloids, vitamins, carotenoids, fats, polyphenols, carbohydrates, and proteins, which are useful for long-term health [6].…”

Effect of Dietary Supplementation with Coarse or Extruded Oat Hulls on Growth Performance, Blood Biochemical Parameters, Ceca Microbiota and Short Chain Fatty Acids in Broiler Chickens

“…Although OH does not have significant amounts of starch and protein [ 2 , 8 ], its extrusion may change its particle size and cause a redistribution of its fiber components, thereby creating a differential effect on gut microbiota than coarse OH. Various dietary fiber types have been reported to differentially affect blood biochemical parameters [ 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 ] with soluble fiber observed to reduce the concentrations of triglycerides, phospholipids, and low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in the blood [ 23 , 24 , 25 ]. The objective of this study, therefore, was to determine the effect of coarse and extruded OH on growth performance, blood biochemical characteristics, and cecal SCFA and microbiota in broiler chickens.…”