Effects of mushroom and herb polysaccharides, as alternatives for an antibiotic, on growth performance of broilers

Abstract

(1) This in vivo trial was conducted to study the effects of polysaccharide extracts of two mushrooms, Lentinus edodes (LenE) and Tremella fuciformis (TreE), and a herb, Astragalus membranaceus (AstE) on growth performance, and the weights of organs and the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of broiler chickens. (2) Three extracts (LenE, TreE and AstE) were supplemented at inclusion rates of 0.5, 1, 2, 3 and 4 g/kg from 7 to 14 d of age and compared with an antibiotic treatment group (20 mg/kg, virginiamycin (VRG) as well as a group of non-supplemented birds. (3) Body weight (BW) gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio (FCR) of the extract-supplemented groups were not significantly different from those of the antibiotic group. Significant effects of type of extract and concentration on growth performance were found from 7 to 28 d of age. Generally, birds fed with LenE showed higher BW gain and lower FCR from 7 to 28 d of age than those fed with TreE and AstE and 2 g/kg LenE was considered the optimal inclusion rate for enhanced broiler growth. However, the extracts had no significant effect on the relative weights of organs and GIT compared with the antibiotic group. (4) The birds fed the extracts showed better growth performance than the non-supplemented birds, but were not significantly different from those fed VRG. Of the three extracts, LenE appeared to be a potential growth promoter. Future studies are needed to investigate whether the extracts can be used as alternatives for antibiotic growth promoters in challenged birds, and to elucidate the mechanisms for potentially enhanced growth performance in poultry.

Effect of Magnetic Water Treatment and Some Additives on Growth Performance, Some Blood Biochemical Parameters and Intestinal Health of Growing Pekin Ducklings

“…The components of the herbal plants which are responsible for the immune stimulation are not well known. Guo (2003) suggested that the mechanism of medicinal plants components may include improving the physical conditions of gut ecosystem and enhancing function of immune system of chicks. The antioxidant nature of medicinal plants also has been suggested to alleviate the negative influence of environmental stressors and improve immune function to combat different types of diseases (Al-Kassie et al, 2011).…”

Exploring alternatives to antibiotics as health promoting agents in poultry- a review

“…Several plants and its derivates are extensively studied and used in poultry production including Aloe vera, Astragalus membranaceus, Ginger, Garlic, Noni, Onion, Turmeric and Thyme (Dhama et al, 2015b). These compounds have improved growth of broilers and also increased egg production of layers (Guo et al, 2004;Sunder et al, 2013;Sunder et al, 2014).…”

<b>Appraisal of purple coneflower (<i>Echinacea purpurea</i>) extract on production performance, internal organs, and gut microflora of japanese quail

“…Different levels of EP extract decreased ileal Coliforms population of quails, but ileal Clostridia population of birds consumed EP extract was not different from control group. Guo et al (2004aGuo et al ( , 2004bGuo et al ( , 2004c found that plants derivatives promoted the growth performance, decreased the populations of coliforms and C. perfringens, and boosted both cellular and humoral immune responses of chickens infected with avian Mycoplasma gallisepticum or Eimeria tenella. Jamroz and Kamel (2002) reported that the dietary plant derivatives diminished Escherichia coli population comparing to the control birds.…”