Intestinal morphograhy of broilers fed diets supplemented with perlite

Abstract

ABSTRACT. Aim of the study was to investigate effects of different levels of perlite on intestinal morphometry in broilers (Ross 308). A hundred and eighty broiler cockerels were randomly allocated into three experimental groups (3 replications and 20 broilers per pen) and fed experimental diets supplemented with different levels of perlite (0%, 2%, 4%). At 21, 28, 35 and 42 days of the study, 2 broilers were randomly selected from each replication, slaughtered and various sections of small intestine (1, 10, 30, 50, 70 and 90% of small intestine length) sampled for morphometry characteristics. Villi height, crypts depth and villus height / crypt depth ratio were measured microscopically. According to the results, a significant difference was observed on small intestine morphology post-perlite supplementation in experimental groups compared to control group. Supplementation of diet with perlite (2%) significantly increased average villi height in various sections of small intestine (1, 70 and 90%) in experimental birds on days 28 and 35 (P < 0.05). In addition, similar findings were observed after addition of perlite (4%) on villi height on day 42 (P < 0.05). Furthermore, on day 28, average villi height and depth of liberkuhn crypts in small intestine (10%) differed significantly in cockerels fed diets containing 2% perlite in comparison to controls (P < 0.05). These results suggest that supplementation of perlite in broilers' diet can improve intestinal morphometry.

Effects of different levels of expanded perlite on the performance and egg quality traits of laying hens

“…With addition of zeolite to ration, passage rate of feeds through digestive tract was decreased and nutrients were more exposed to digestive tract enzymes (Khambualia et al, 2009). Ghalehkandi et al (2014) found that different levels of perlite significantly increased average villi height in broilers. Also, the author pointed out that there would be a good relationship between section of intestine and weight gain.…”

“…The name of "perlit" is derived from the word "perle", which means pearl (Orhun, 1969). Raw perlite is transparent and greyish or gloss black rock of hydrated aluminosilicates of alkali (i.e., Na+, K+) and alkaline earth cations (Ghalehkandi et al, 2014). Perlite expands by 10-30 times its original volume when heated up to 700-1200 °C.…”

Effects of pre-incubation laser irradiation on hatchability and small intestine enzymes activity in post-hatched broiler chickens

“…Six birds were randomly selected from each replication, slaughtered and the entire gastrointestinal tract was removed. Various sections of small intestine -A, B, C, D, E and F (1, 10, 30, 50, 70 and 90%, respectively) were sampled (a 7-cm sample was taken), rinsed with phosphate buffer solution (PBS, pH=7) and stored at -80 ºC (Ghiasi Ghalehkandi et al, 2014). All experimental procedures were performed according to the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals by the National Institutes of Health (USA) and the current laws of the Iranian government.…”