Herbal extracts in diets for broilers

Abstract

-The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of feeding herbal extracts for broilers on performance and histology of the intestinal mucosa and its effects on the profiting from the metabolizable energy of experimental diets.For so, two experiments were conducted. In experiment I, the inclusion of different herbal extracts in diets on performance and intestinal histology of broilers was evaluated, and in experiment II, the values of apparent metabolizable energy and metabolizable energy corrected by the nitrogen balance of the experimental diets were studied. Treatments consisted of: positive control diet; positive control + avilamycin; negative control; negative control + 100 ppm of a complex containing three different herbal medicines (pepper, cinnamon and oregano); negative control + 75 ppm garlic extract; negative control + 150 ppm garlic extract. In the performance experiment, which comprised the period of 1 to 40 days of age, 960 male broilers were distributed in a randomized block design, with six treatments and eight replicates, with 20 birds per experimental unit.In experiment II, the method adopted was the traditional of total excreta collection with male broiler chicks in the age of 14 to 24 days, in a completely randomized design, with six treatments and eight replicates with five birds per experimental unit. The intestinal villus height was improved with addition of the composite containing the three herbal extracts; however, crypt depth and villus/crypt ratio were not affected. The use of herbal extract in diets for broilers promotes performance similar to that with the use of antibiotics. Herbal extracts can be incorporated into diets replacing antibiotics without compromising the metabolizable energy of diets, performance or intestinal mucosa for broilers in the period of 1 to 40 days of age.

Histomorphological studies of broiler chicken fed diets supplemented with either raw or enzyme treated dandelion leaves and fenugreek seeds

“…Moreover, in the present study, the jejunal crypt depth decreased non-significantly in the treatment groups compared to control. The crypts are responsible for production of enterocytes required for renewal of villi and the more the crypt is demanded in terms of cell renewal, the greater its depth [ 31 ], thus indicating that the villi were not compromised in any way in all the treatment groups fed dandelion leaves and fenugreek seeds either alone or in combination with or without enzyme addition. Furthermore, there was an improvement in the villus height/crypt depth ratio in all the treatment groups which has been regarded as a good indicator of better intestinal health [ 31 ].…”

The effects of the avilamycin, Protexin® and basil essential oil supplements on ileal bacteria of broiler chickens

“…There is the chance that their residues are found in the tissues, and also by the probable induction of cross-resistance for pathogenic bacteria in humans, which could generate problems related to public health. 1 Today in the European Union only three antibiotics are still permitted as growth promoters (Salinomycin-Na, Flavophospholipol and Avilamycin) and a general ban is foreseen in some years from now, because of the increased occurrence of pathogens resistant against therapeutic antibiotics used in animals and humans. 2 With the restricted use or ban of dietary antimicrobial agents we must explore new ways to improve and protect the health status of farm animals.…”

Effects of Korean ginseng (<i>Panax ginseng</i> C.A. Meyer) root extract on egg production performance and egg quality of laying hens

“…These extracts present a mechanism of action based on the alteration of the intestinal microbiota, increased enzyme secretion, improved immune response, morpho-histological maintenance of the gastrointestinal tract and antioxidant activity (Brugalli, 2003;Fascina et al, 2012). Several studies have demonstrated their in vitro effect against pathogens because of antimicrobial, antifungal and anthelmintic activities, in addition to powerful antioxidant effects (Kamel, 2000;Petrolli et al, 2012).…”