The Effect of Administration of a Phytobiotic Containing Cinnamon Oil and Citric Acid on the Metabolism, Immunity, and Growth Performance of Broiler Chickens

Abstract

: It was postulated that a phytobiotic preparation containing cinnamon oil and citric acid added to drinking water for chickens in a suitable amount and for a suitable time would beneficially modify the microbiota composition and morphology of the small intestine, thereby improving immunity and growth performance without inducing metabolic disorders. The aim of the study was to establish the dosage and time of administration of such a phytobiotic that would have the most beneficial effect on the intestinal histology and microbiota, production results, and immune and metabolic status of broiler chickens. The experiment was carried out on 980 one-day-old male chickens until the age of 42 days. The chickens were assigned to seven experimental groups of 140 birds each (seven replications of 20 individuals each). The control group (G-C) did not receive the phytobiotic. Groups CT-0.05, CT-0.1, and CT-0.25 received the phytobiotic in their drinking water in the amount of 0.05, 0.1, and 0.2 mL/L, respectively, at days 1–42 of life (continuous application, CT). The birds in groups PT-0.05, PT-0.5, and PT-0.25 received the phytobiotic in the same amounts, but only at days 1–7, 15–21, and 29–35 of life (periodic application, PT). Selected antioxidant and biochemical parameters were determined in the blood of the chickens, as well as parameters of immune status and redox status. The morphology of the intestinal epithelium, composition of the microbiome, and production parameters of chickens receiving the phytobiotic in their drinking water were determined as well. The addition of a phytobiotic containing cinnamon oil and citric acid to the drinking water of broiler chickens at a suitable dosage and for a suitable time can beneficially modify the microbiome composition and morphometry of the small intestine (total number of fungi p < 0.001, total number of aerobic bacteria p < 0.001; and total number of coliform bacteria p < 0.001 was decreased) improving the immunity and growth performance of the chickens (there occurred a villi lengthening p = 0.002 and crypts deepening p = 0.003). Among the three tested dosages (0.05, 0.1, and 0.25 mL/L of water) of the preparation containing cinnamon oil, the dosage of 0.25 mL/L of water administered for 42 days proved to be most beneficial. Chickens receiving the phytobiotic in the amount of 0.25 mL/L had better growth performance, which was linked to the beneficial effect of the preparation on the microbiome of the small intestine, metabolism (the HDL level p = 0.017 was increased; and a decreased level of total cholesterol (TC) p = 0.018 and nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA) p = 0.007, LDL p = 0.041, as well as triacylglycerols (TAG) p = 0.014), and immune (the level of lysozyme p = 0.041 was increased, as well as the percentage of phagocytic cells p = 0.034, phagocytosis index p = 0.038, and Ig-A level p = 0.031) and antioxidant system (the level of LOOH p < 0.001, MDA p = 0.002, and the activity of Catalase (CAT) p < 0.001 were decreased, but the level of ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) p = 0.029, glutathione p = 0.045 and vitamin C p = 0.021 were increased).

Review: Strategi Praktis Penanganan Egg Drop Syndrome pada Ayam Petelur

“…Selanjutnya, (Krauze et al, 2021) melaporkan penggunaan minyak cinnamon dan asam sitrat dapat meningkatkan imun ayam. Tanaman tyme (Thymus vulgaris), minyak bergamot (Citrus bergamia)), cengkeh (Syzygium aromaticum), pepper (Piper nigrum) dapat meningkatkan produksi telur, kualitas telur dan imun ternak.…”

Phytobiotics, a Natural Growth Promoter for Poultry

“…The most of the active antioxidants plant, are secondary metabolites bilonging to the classes of isoprene, flavonoids and glucosinolates derivatives, and their properties could also use to shape the characteristics of food of animal origin. In practice many plant substances have been used successfully to improve egg laying, egg quality and meat quality [3][4][5][6]. The use of antibiotics as growth promoters (AGP) in livestock has been banned in year 2005, due to concerns about their residues in animal tissues and subsequent induction of bacterial resistance.…”

“…essential oils, dyes (mainly carotenoids, anthocyanins), alkaloids, glycosides, phenolic acids, phytosterols, flavonoids, etc. It is worth remembering, however, that often the desired effect of phytobiotics is not constant and fully predictable in advance [6]. Contradictory results from the use of plant additives may result from the natural variability of the composition of plant secondary metabolites, their diversity and environmental conditions for plant growth, harvest time, maturity, as well as the method and duration of conservation, storage or processing.…”

“…Contradictory results from the use of plant additives may result from the natural variability of the composition of plant secondary metabolites, their diversity and environmental conditions for plant growth, harvest time, maturity, as well as the method and duration of conservation, storage or processing. In addition, the conditions of the analytical method required to obtain the bioactive substances themselves from plants, the method of extracting these substances from the plant are important; and possible synergism or antagonism in the case of mixtures of substances, or the presence of toxic and anti-nutritional components for a given animal species, and also microbiological contamination of plants product [1,6]. Many researchers question results about anti-diarrheal, antiseptic, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties of plants, especially because of the variations found in biological indicators in vivo studies.…”

An Overview of Antimicrobial Compounds from African Edible Insects and Their Associated Microbiota

“…Reviews on the nutritional value of certain insects, such as black soldier fly larvae, housefly maggot and pupae, mealworms, silkworm pupae, locusts, beetles, grasshoppers, and crickets, show that they have the potential to be used as an alternative protein source in various livestock feeds [ 6 , 7 ]. Additionally, insect meals can be used effectively in rearing of animals, such as poultry, to enhance animal health, intestinal morphology, and the composition of the intestinal microbiota [ 8 ], with an effect close to that of plant bioactive substances [ 9 ]. These insects’ gut microbiota comprises a diverse range of microorganisms that produce bioactive compounds that, among other things, protect their host from pathogenic assault [ 10 ].…”