Microencapsulated basil oil (Ocimum basilicum Linn.) enhances growth performance, intestinal morphology, and antioxidant capacity of broiler chickens in the tropics

Abstract

Title of the manuscript: Microencapsulated basil oil (Ocimum basilicum Linn.) enhances growth performance, intestinal morphology, and antioxidant capacity of broiler chickens in the tropical region ABSTRACT Objective: Microencapsulation is a technique to improveincrease stability, bioavailability, and controlled release of active ingredients at a target site. This experiment aimed to investigate the effects of microencapsulated basil oil (MBO) on growth performance, apparent ileal digestibility (AID), jejunal histomorphology, bacterial population as well as antioxidant capacity of broiler chickens in the tropical climate.Methods: A total of 288 one -day -old female broilers (Ross 308) were randomly allocated into 4 groups (6 replicates of 12 birds), based on a completely randomized design. Dietary treatments were as follows: (i) basal diet without additives (NC), (ii) basal diet with avilamycin at 10 ppm (PC), (iii) basal diet with free basil oil (FBO) at 500 ppm, and (iv) NC with free basil oil (FBO), and basal diet with MBO at 500 ppm, respectively.Results: Dietary supplementation ofexperiment with MBO improved average daily gain (ADG), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) ofin broilers throughout the 42-d trial period (p < 0.05), whereas MBO did not affectchange average daily feed intake (ADFI) compared with other NC groups. The broilers fed diet with MBO diet exhibited a greater AID of crude protein (CP) and gross energy (GE) compared with those in other groups (p < 0.05). Lactobacillus spp. and E. coil populations were not affected by feeding dietary treatments. HoweverBoth, either FBO or and MBO had positive effects on jejunal villus height (VH), villus height to crypt depth ratio (VH:CD) and villus surface area (VSA) of broilers in comparedison to NC and PC groups (p < 0.05). Superoxide dismutase (SOD) level in the duodenal mucosa of MBO group was significantly increased (p < 0.01), whereas malondialdehyde (MDA) level was significantly decreased (p < 0.01).

Modulation of growth performance, gut morphometry, and cecal microbiota in broilers by clove (Syzygium aromaticum) and tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) supplementation

“…In this context, histomorphometric indices can be a more reliable indicator to assess intestinal health and function ( Awad et al, 2011 ; Al-Baadani et al, 2016 ). In the current study, we observed augmented villus height which corresponds to the previous reports ( Mohammadi et al, 2014 ; Mahdavi et al., 2014 ; Thuekeaw et al, 2022 ). Notwithstanding, Chowdhury et al (2018) and Jahejo et al (2019) reported that villus height remains unaffected while fed clove or tulsi.…”

“…Villus surface area was also increased in the experimental groups treated with low to medium concentrations of clove and tulsi. Thuekeaw et al (2022) also reported an increased villus surface area in broilers fed tulsi with their diet. Contrarily, Al-Mufarrej et al (2019) demonstrated that the inclusion of clove powder with feed decreases the villus surface area.…”

“…However, this solution will not be feasible without introducing an effective alternative to antibiotic growth promoters ( AGP s). Therefore, researchers are evaluating biological products like enzymes, organic acids, amino acids, probiotics, and prebiotics as potential alternatives to AGPs in the poultry diet ( Agostini et al, 2012 ; Laudadio et al, 2012 ; Dhama et al, 2014 ; Chowdhury et al, 2018 ; Thuekeaw et al, 2022 ). Previous scientific evidence had already validated that by providing optimum conditions, without using AGPs, the desired growth rate can be attained ( Engster et al, 2002 ).…”

Effect of microencapsulation of egg yolk immunoglobulin Y by sodium alginate/chitosan/sodium alginate on the growth performance, serum parameters, and intestinal health of broiler chickens

“…The positive effect of microencapsulated IgY on VH in this experiment may reflect the increased concentration of IgY reaching the small intestine [ 37 , 38 ]. Thuekeaw et al [ 39 ]. reported that adding 500 ppm of microencapsulated basil oil to their diets promoted VH:CD in the studied broilers compared with free basil oil [ 39 ].…”

“…Thuekeaw et al [ 39 ]. reported that adding 500 ppm of microencapsulated basil oil to their diets promoted VH:CD in the studied broilers compared with free basil oil [ 39 ]. Therefore, microencapsulated IgY additions to livestock diets can improve the structure of small intestinal villi and promote the absorption and utilization of nutrients in the small intestine of broiler chickens.…”