scholarly journals Effects of Zinc Lactate Supplementation on Growth Performance, Intestinal Morphology, Serum Parameters, and Hepatic Metallothionein of Chinese Yellow-Feathered Broilers

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lina Long ◽  
Xichen Zhao ◽  
Haojie Li ◽  
Xia Yan ◽  
Huihua Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Growth Performance ◽  
Basal Diet ◽  
Intestinal Morphology ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Zinc Compounds ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Organic Zinc ◽  
Organ Index ◽  
Hepatic Metallothionein ◽  
Lower Ratio

AbstractIn poultry, organic zinc compounds have higher bioavailability than inorganic zinc sources. However, as an organic zinc source, the application of zinc lactate (ZL) on Chinese yellow-feathered broilers has been rarely reported. Hence, the present study aimed to investigate the effects of ZL supplementation on growth performance, small intestinal morphology, serum biochemical parameters, immune organ index, as well as hepatic metallothionein of Chinese yellow-feathered broilers. A total of 2100 broilers (19 days old) were randomly assigned to 5 treatment groups, including the control (fed basal diet), ZL40 (basal diet plus 40 mg/kg ZL), ZL60 (basal diet plus 60 mg/kg ZL), ZL80 (basal diet plus 80 mg/kg ZL), and ZS80 (basal diet plus 80 mg/kg ZS. Each treatment group had 6 replicates with 70 chickens per replicate. Compared to the control group, the ZL40 and the ZS80 groups had a lower feed to gain ratio (P < 0.05), ZL40 group had higher duodenum and ileum villus heights (P < 0.05), and ZS80 and ZL80 groups had a lower ratio of villus height to crypt depth in the jejunum (P < 0.01). In addition, the ZL60 group had a higher concentration of total protein (P < 0.05) and activity of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) (P < 0.01) compared with the ZS80 and the control groups. Interestingly, the ZL40, ZL60, and ZL80 groups all had higher levels of hepatic metallothionein than the other groups (P < 0.01). In conclusion, zinc lactate had a higher bioavailability and could be used as an alternative to zinc sulfate.

scholarly journals Effect of dietary organic zinc sources on growth performance, incidence of diarrhoea, serum and tissue zinc concentrations, and intestinal morphology in growing rabbits

2017 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 43 ◽  
Author(s):  
J.Y. Yan ◽  
G.W. Zhang ◽  
C. Zhang ◽  
L. Tang ◽  
S.Y. Kuang
Keyword(s):  
Growth Performance ◽  
Intestinal Morphology ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Feeding Trial ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Organic Zinc ◽  
Zn Concentration ◽  
New Zealand White Rabbits ◽  
Zinc Concentrations ◽  
Dietary Treatments

<p>This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of dietary organic zinc (Zn) sources on growth performance, the incidence of diarrhoea, serum and tissue Zn concentration, and intestinal morphology in growing rabbits. A total of 120 New Zealand White rabbits aged 35 d and with an initial body weight of 755±15 g, were randomly divided into 4 treatment groups for a 49 d feeding trial. Dietary treatments were designed with different Zn supplements as follows: (1) Control group: 80 mg/kg Zn as ZnSO&lt;sub&gt;4&lt;/sub&gt;; (2) ZnLA group: 80 mg/kg Zn as Zn lactate; (3) ZnMet group: 80 mg/kg Zn as Zn methionine; (4) ZnGly group: 80 mg/kg Zn as Zn glycine. The results showed that, when compared with rabbits fed ZnSO&lt;sub&gt;4&lt;/sub&gt;, supplementation with ZnLA improved (P&lt;0.05) growth performance and led to a lower (P&lt;0.01) incidence of diarrhoea. ZnLA supplement increased the liver Zn concentration (58.97 vs. 46.59 mg/g; P&lt;0.05) compared with rabbits fed ZnSO&lt;sub&gt;4&lt;/sub&gt;. Supplementing with ZnLA increased duodenum villi height (681.63 vs. 587.14 μm, P&lt;0.05) and decreased duodenum crypt depth (141.69 vs. 168.91 μm; P&lt;0.05) when compared to that of the control group. However, experimental results obtained ZnMet and ZnGly supplementation were no significantly different to ZnSO&lt;sub&gt;4&lt;/sub&gt;, except that feeding ZnMet led to higher (P&lt;0.05) Zn concentrations in serum and liver than rabbits fed ZnSO&lt;sub&gt;4&lt;/sub&gt;. The results indicated that supplementation with 80 mg/kg Zn as ZnLA could improve growth performance, increase liver Zn concentration and enhance duodenum morphology, while reducing the incidence of diarrhoea in growing rabbits.</p>

scholarly journals Effects of Bacillus subtilis on growth performance, serum parameters, digestive enzyme, intestinal morphology, and colonic microbiota in piglets

AMB Express ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bo Deng ◽  
Jie Wu ◽  
Xiaohui Li ◽  
Cheng Zhang ◽  
Xiaoming Men ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bacillus Subtilis ◽  
Growth Performance ◽  
Digestive Enzyme ◽  
Basal Diet ◽  
Intestinal Morphology ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Promising Alternative ◽  
Serum Parameters ◽  
Colonic Microbiota ◽  
Diet Supplementation

AbstractThe present study was conducted to investigate effects of Bacillus subtilis on growth performance, serum parameters, digestive enzymes, intestinal morphology, and colonic microbiota in piglets. A total of 72 piglets were weighed and randomly allotted into three treatments (four replication pens per treatment with six piglets/pen) for a 28-day experiment. The dietary treatments were as follows: basal diet (control group, CTR), basal diet supplementation with antibiotic (antibiotic group, ABT), and basal diet supplementation with 0.1% Bacillus subtilis (probiotic group, PBT). The average daily gain of body weight increased in both the ABT and PBT groups, and dietary antibiotics decreased the feed:gain ratio (F:G), as compared to the CTR group (P < 0.05). Both ABT and PBT piglets had increased serum triglycerides and lipase, amylase, maltase activities and villus height:crypt depth ratio (V/C) in ileum (P < 0.05). The PBT group also showed an increase in serum glucose and villus height in the ileum (P < 0.05). Dietary antibiotics increased Lactobacillus johnsonii, as compared to the CTR group, but decreased bacterial diversity and increased Escherichia coli, as compared to the PBT group (P < 0.05). Piglets dietary with B. subtilis modulated the microbiota by increasing the abundance of Firmicutes (L. johnsonii, L. reuteri) and decreasing the abundance of E. coli, as compared to the control group (P < 0.05). These results indicate that dietary of B. subtilis improves growth performance and intestinal health and can be a promising alternative to antibiotics in piglets diet.

scholarly journals Effects of Clostridium butyricum- and Bacillus spp.-Based Potential Probiotics on the Growth Performance, Intestinal Morphology, Immune Responses, and Caecal Microbiota in Broilers

Antibiotics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 624
Author(s):  
Xinfu Zeng ◽  
Qing Li ◽  
Caimei Yang ◽  
Yang Yu ◽  
Zixian Fu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Immune Responses ◽  
Growth Performance ◽  
Broiler Chickens ◽  
Basal Diet ◽  
Short Chain Fatty Acids ◽  
Clostridium Butyricum ◽  
Intestinal Morphology ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Body Weights ◽  
Bacillus Spp

We aimed to investigate the effects of Clostridium butyricum-, Bacillus subtilis-, and Bacillus licheniformis-based potential probiotics on the growth performance, intestinal morphology, immune responses, and caecal short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and microbial structure in broiler chickens. Three treatment groups containing a total of 1200 one-day-old AA broilers were included: birds fed with a basal diet only (Con), birds fed with added 1010 probiotics cfu/kg (ProL), and birds fed with added 1011 probiotics cfu/kg (ProH). The dietary probiotics significantly improved the final and average body weights and serum immunoglobulins A, M, and Y. The probiotics also enhanced the ileal morphology and improved the caecal acetate, butyrate, and propionate contents. Furthermore, 16S rRNA sequencing revealed that dietary compound probiotics modulated the caecal microflora composition as follows: (1) all birds shared 2794 observed taxonomic units; (2) treatment groups were well separated in the PCA and PCoA analysis; (3) the relative abundance of Parabacteroides, Ruminococcaceae_UCG-014, Barnesiella, Odoribacter, [Eubacterium_coprostanoligenes_group], [Ruminococcus]_torques_group, and Butyricimonas significantly varied between treatments. The compound probiotics improved the growth performance, serum immune responses, the ratio of ileal villus height to crypt depth, and major caecal SCFAs in broiler chickens. The dietary C. butyricum-, B. subtilis-, and B. licheniformis-based probiotics improved overall broiler health and would benefit the poultry industry.

scholarly journals Dietary purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.) promotes the growth performance of broilers by modulation of gut microbiota

AMB Express ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Cong Wang ◽  
Qing Liu ◽  
Fengchun Ye ◽  
Hongbo Tang ◽  
Yanpeng Xiong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gut Microbiota ◽  
Growth Performance ◽  
Basal Diet ◽  
Scientific Basis ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Good Growth ◽  
Feed Conversion ◽  
Illumina Hiseq ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Dietary Treatments

AbstractPurslane is a widespread wild vegetable with both medicinal and edible properties. It is highly appreciated for its high nutritional value and is also considered as a high-quality feed resource for livestock and poultry. In this study, Sanhuang broilers were used to investigate the effect of feeding purslane diets on the growth performance in broilers and their gut microbiota. A total of 48 birds with good growth and uniform weight were selected and randomly allocated to four treatment groups A (control), B, C and D. Dietary treatments were fed with basal diet without purslane and diets containing 1%, 2% and 3% purslane. The 16S rDNA was amplified by PCR and sequenced using the Illumina HiSeq platform to analyze the composition and diversity of gut microbiota in the four sets of samples. The results showed that dietary inclusion of 2% and 3% purslane could significantly improve the growth performance and reduce the feed conversion ratio. Microbial diversity analysis indicated that the composition of gut microbiota of Sanhuang broilers mainly included Gallibacterium, Bacteroides and Escherichia-Shigella, etc. As the content of purslane was increased, the abundance of Lactobacillus increased significantly, and Escherichia-Shigella decreased. LEfSe analysis revealed that Bacteroides_caecigallinarum, Lachnospiraceae, Lactobacillales and Firmicutes had significant differences compared with the control group. PICRUSt analysis revealed bacteria mainly enriched in carbohydrate metabolism pathway due to the additon of purslane in the diet. These results suggest that the addition of purslane to feed could increase the abundance of Lactobacillus in intestine, modulate the environment of gut microbiota and promote the metabolism of carbohydrates to improve its growth performance. This study indicates that the effect of purslane on the growth-promoting performance of broilers might depend on its modulation on gut microbiota, so as to provide a certain scientific basis for the application of purslane in the feed industry.

scholarly journals PSVI-40 Effects of dietary glucan on intestinal morphology, immunity response, barrier function and antioxidant capacity in weaning pigs

2019 ◽  
Vol 97 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 212-213
Author(s):  
xia xiong ◽  
Lvliang Wu ◽  
Yirui Shao ◽  
Jian zou ◽  
Yulong Yin
Keyword(s):  
Antioxidant Capacity ◽  
Growth Performance ◽  
Mrna Expression ◽  
Dietary Supplementation ◽  
Basal Diet ◽  
Intestinal Morphology ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Gut Health ◽  
Weaned Piglets ◽  
Weaning Piglets

Abstract Glucan has been studied as a potential alternative to antibiotics for animals in recent years. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of dietary glucan on growth performance and gut health of weaning piglets, which is a water-soluble extracellular ꞵ-glucan produced by Agrobacterium sp. ZX09. A total of 108 weaned piglets (21 d of age; 6.05 ± 0.36 kg) were randomly assigned (6 pens/diet; 18 piglets/pen) to 3 dietary treatments consisting of a basal diet (control group) or the basal diet supplemented with 20 ppm olaquindox or 200 ppm glucan for 14 days, respectively. The results showed that piglets fed with glucan had greater (P &lt; 0.05) body weight and average daily gain than piglets in control group. Piglets fed with glucan or antibiotic had greater villus height to crypt depth ratio on duodenum compared with control group (P &lt; 0.05). The mRNA expression of Claudin-1 on duodenum or ileum was higher (P &lt; 0.05) in glucan group than that on the other groups. The mRNA expression of TLR4, MYD88 and NFκB on jejunum were lower (P &lt; 0.05) in glucan or antibiotic group than those in control group. Dietary supplementation with glucan tended to increase the IL-10 and SIgA concentration on ileum (0.05 &lt; P &lt; 0.1). Dietary supplementation with glucan tended to increase the total antioxidant capacity on jejunum (P = 0.093). In conclusion, 200 ppm glucan or 20 ppm olaquindox can improve the growth performance of weaning piglets. The glucan may can accelerate the growth of weaned piglets by improving gut health. This research will provide guidance for the olaquindox alternative on growing piglets.

scholarly journals Effects of Dietary Bacillus and Non-starch Polysaccharase on the Intestinal Microbiota and the Associated Changes on the Growth Performance, Intestinal Morphology, and Serum Antioxidant Profiles in Ducks

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simin Peng ◽  
Xin Wang ◽  
Yuyu Wang ◽  
Tuo Lv ◽  
Haohan Zhao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Growth Performance ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Basal Diet ◽  
Diversity Indices ◽  
Intestinal Morphology ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Enzyme Preparations ◽  
Group I ◽  
Similar Body

Given the desirable results of using probiotics and enzyme preparations as feed supplements in poultry health, here, the effects of Bacillus and Non-starch Polysaccharase (NSPase) on the growth performance, serum antioxidant profiles, and gut microbial communities of early stage ducks is investigated. A total of 400 Zhijiang ducks (of similar body weight and 1 day age) was selected and randomly divided into four groups. The feeding period was 28 days. Each group contained 10 replicates of 10 birds. Control group (I) was fed with basal diet, while treatment groups II to IV were fed, respectively, with 150 mg/kg NSPases, 25 mg/kg Bacillus probiotics, and 150 mg/kg NSPases + 25 mg/kg Bacillus probiotics in their basal diet. The results demonstrated that dietary Bacillus (25 mg/kg) increased average final weight, average daily gain (ADG), and decreased the malonaldehyde (MDA) in birds (P &lt; 0.05). Dietary Bacillus (25 mg/kg) and NSPases + Bacillus (150 mg/kg + 25 mg/kg) presented much higher glutathione (GSH) and activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in birds (P &lt; 0.05). Additionally, as revealed by β-diversity indices and analysis of similarities, dietary NSPases + Bacillus could affect the ileum microbial abundances and diversities at the genera level (P &lt; 0.05), but it had no effect on the caecal microbiota. Also, 16S rRNA sequencing revealed that dietary Bacillus and NSPases + Bacillus increased the populations of Ruminococcaceae genera in the cecum (P &lt; 0.05), and S24-7_group and Lactobacillus genera in the ileum (P &lt; 0.05). However, dietary NSPases and Bacillus alone and in combination could significantly decrease the content of Bacteroides in the ileum (P &lt; 0.05). According to Spearman correlation analysis, 7 ilea bacterial microbiomes (S24-7 group, Lactobacillus, Subgroup 2, Subgroup 1, Kitasatospora, Candidatus Solibacter, and Akkermansia) were positively correlated with SOD (P &lt; 0.05). In conclusion, Bacillus (25 mg/kg) and NSPases (150 mg/kg) included in the diet could efficiently enhance the growth performance by altered gut microbiota composition at the genera level and antioxidant indices of ducks.

scholarly journals Effects of Plotytarya strohilacea Sieb. et Zuce Tannin on the Growth Performance, Oxidation Resistance, Intestinal Morphology and Cecal Microbial Composition of Broilers

2022 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhenkai Tong ◽  
Fuhong Lei ◽  
Lixuan Liu ◽  
Fei Wang ◽  
Aiwei Guo
Keyword(s):  
Growth Performance ◽  
Basal Diet ◽  
Intestinal Morphology ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Villus Height ◽  
Microbial Composition ◽  
Antioxidant Function ◽  
Total Antioxidant ◽  
Quadratic Relationship ◽  
Addition Amount

The purpose of this experiment was to study the effects of Plotytarya strohilacea Sieb. et Zuce tannin on broilers growth performance, antioxidant function, intestinal development, intestinal morphology and the cecal microbial composition. In this experiment, a total of 360 1-day-old Arbor Acres male broilers were randomly divided into 4 treatment groups, with 6 replicates in each group and 15 broilers in each replicate. The control group (Control) was fed the basal diet, and the broilers were fed a basal diet supplemented with 0 (Control), 100 (PT1), 400 (PT2), and 800 (PT3) mg/kg Plotytarya strohilacea Sieb. et Zuce tannins for 42 days, respectively. The results showed that the average daily feed intake (ADFI) of the PT1 group was significantly lower than that of the control group, and there was a significant quadratic relationship between the ADFI and the concentration of tannin (P &lt; 0.05). Compared with the control group, the F/G of broilers during the 22–42 days phase in the PT1 group showed a decreasing trend (P = 0.063). The serum catalase (CAT) activity in the PT1 group was significantly higher than those of the other three groups, and the effect was significantly quadratically related to the dosage (P &lt; 0.05). The glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity in the PT1, PT2 and control groups were significantly higher than that of the PT3 group, and the effect was significantly quadratically related to the addition amount (P &lt; 0.05). The serum total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) activity in the PT1 group was significantly higher than that in the control group, and the effect was significantly quadratically related to the addition amount (P &lt; 0.05). Compared to the control group, the villus height of jejunum in the PT1, PT2 and PT3 groups were significantly higher, and there was a significant quadratic relationship between the villus height of jejunum and the addition amount (P &lt; 0.05). In addition, adding tannins to diets significantly increased Parabacteroides in the dominant genus (P &lt; 0.05). In conclusion, dietary supplementation with Plotytarya strohilacea Sieb. et Zuce tannin improved the growth performance, antioxidant function, and intestinal morphology along with an increased abundance of Parabacteroides in the cecum, and the recommended dosage of tannin in broiler diets was 100 mg/kg.

scholarly journals Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, Biochemical Properties, Hematological Traits, and Intestinal Histopathology of Broiler Chicks Fed Mannan Oligosaccharides

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 621-633
Author(s):  
Abdallah Ali Ghazalah ◽  
Mohamed Ahmed Fouad El-Manylawi ◽  
Hady Fathy Abbas Motawe ◽  
Marwa Salah Khattab ◽  
Yara Ibrahem Youssef
Keyword(s):  
Growth Performance ◽  
Broiler Chickens ◽  
Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Basal Diet ◽  
Blood Parameters ◽  
Nutrient Digestibility ◽  
The Other ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Broiler Chicks ◽  
Treatment Groups

, , , , and Antibiotics as growth promoters in poultry diets are currently restricted, so other feed additives, such as prebiotics and probiotics, have been suggested as an antibiotics alternative to improve the performance and gut health of poultry. The current experiment was conducted to study the effects of adding Mannan oligosaccharides (MOS) as a potential replacement for an antibiotic on productive performance, nutrient digestibility, some blood parameters, and caecal microbiota of broiler chickens. For conducting the current research experiment, a total of 180 one–day old Ross broiler chicks were randomly divided into one control group fed a basal diet and four dietary treatments with six replicates for each treatment. The treatment groups were fed a basal diet supplemented with different levels of MOS 0.5, 1, and 2 g/Kg diet and Lincomycin 4.4 mg/Kg diet during 35 days of the feeding trial. With exception of the growing period, the group fed a basal diet supplemented with 2 g MOS/Kg feed had considerably higher body weight and weight gain, while having the lowest feed consumption and best feed conversion ratio compared to the other treatment groups, during all experimental periods. Moreover, dietary supplementation of MOS resulted in a significant decrease in the counts of caecal E. coli and Enterococcus, while Lactobacillus and Yeast bacteria counts were significantly higher, compared to non-supplemented groups. Broiler chicks having a 2 g MOS/kg diet recorded lower values of cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), urea, and liver enzymes, including Aspartate transaminase (AST) and Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), while they recorded significantly higher high-density lipoprotein (HDL), compared to the other experimental groups. Group treated with MOS 2 g/Kg feed improved digestibility of crude protein, ether extract, crude fiber, nitrogen-free extract, and organic matter, compared to the control group, Additionally, MOS supplementation also increased the intestinal villi length, width, and crypt depth and decreased intestinal inflammation, compared to the control group. In conclusion, supplementation of MOS at 2 g/kg diet improved growth performance, digestibility, and blood parameters without having adverse effects on the intestine of broiler chickens, comparable to the Lincomycin.

scholarly journals Dietary Purslane (Portulaca Oleracea L.) Promotes the Growth Performance of Broilers by Modulation of Gut Microbiota

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cong Wang ◽  
Qing Liu ◽  
Fengchun Ye ◽  
Hongbo Tang ◽  
Yanpeng Xiong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gut Microbiota ◽  
Growth Performance ◽  
Basal Diet ◽  
Scientific Basis ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Good Growth ◽  
Feed Conversion ◽  
Illumina Hiseq ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Dietary Treatments

Abstract Purslane is a widespread wild vegetable with both medicinal and edible properties. It is highly appreciated for its high nutritional value and is also considered as a high-quality feed resource for livestock and poultry. In this study, Sanhuang broilers were used to investigate the effect of feeding purslane diets on the growth performance in broilers and their gut microbiota. A total of 48 birds with good growth and uniform weight were selected and randomly allocated to four treatment groups A (control), B, C and D. Dietary treatments were fed with basal diet without purslane and diets containing 1%, 2% and 3% purslane. The 16S rDNA was amplified by PCR and sequenced using the Illumina HiSeq platform to analyze the composition and diversity of gut microbiota in the four sets of samples. The results showed that dietary inclusion of 2% and 3% purslane could significantly improve the growth performance and reduce the feed conversion ratio. Microbial diversity analysis indicated that the composition of gut microbiota of Sanhuang broilers mainly included Gallibacterium, Bacteroides and Escherichia-Shigella, etc. As the content of purslane was increased, the abundance of Lactobacillus increased significantly, and Escherichia-Shigella decreased. LEfSe analysis revealed that Bacteroides_caecigallinarum, Lachnospiraceae, Lactobacillales and Firmicutes had significant differences compared with the control group. PICRUSt analysis revealed bacteria mainly enriched in carbohydrate metabolism pathway due to the additon of purslane in the diet. These results suggest that the addition of purslane to feed could increase the abundance of Lactobacillus in intestine, modulate the environment of gut microbiota and promote the metabolism of carbohydrates to improve its growth performance. This study indicates that the effect of purslane on the growth-promoting performance of broilers might depend on its modulation on gut microbiota, so as to provide a certain scientific basis for the application of purslane in the feed industry.

scholarly journals Dietary Chitooligosaccharide Inclusion as an Alternative to Antibiotics Improves Intestinal Morphology, Barrier Function, Antioxidant Capacity, and Immunity of Broilers at Early Age

Animals ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (8) ◽  
pp. 493 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jun Li ◽  
Yefei Cheng ◽  
Yueping Chen ◽  
Hengman Qu ◽  
Yurui Zhao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Antioxidant Capacity ◽  
Growth Performance ◽  
Barrier Function ◽  
Basal Diet ◽  
Immunoglobulin M ◽  
Intestinal Morphology ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Villus Height ◽  
Crypt Depth ◽  
Antibiotic Group

This study aimed to investigate the effects of chitooligosaccharide (COS) inclusion as an alternative to antibiotics on growth performance, intestinal morphology, barrier function, antioxidant capacity, and immunity in broilers. In total, 144 one-day-old Arbor Acres broiler chicks were randomly assigned into 3 groups and fed a basal diet free from antibiotics (control group) or the same basal diet further supplemented with either chlortetracycline (antibiotic group) or COS, for 21 days. Compared with the control group, inclusion of COS reduced the feed to gain ratio, the jejunal crypt depth, the plasma diamine oxidase activity, and the endotoxin concentration, as well as jejunal and ileal malondialdehyde contents, whereas increased duodenal villus height, duodenal and jejunal ratio of villus height to crypt depth, intestinal immunoglobulin G, and jejunal immunoglobulin M (IgM) contents were observed, with the values of these parameters being similar or better to that of the antibiotic group. Additionally, supplementation with COS enhanced the superoxide dismutase activity and IgM content of the duodenum and up-regulated the mRNA level of claudin three in the jejunum and ileum, when compared with the control and antibiotic groups. In conclusion, dietary COS inclusion (30 mg/kg), as an alternative to antibiotics, exerts beneficial effects on growth performance, intestinal morphology, barrier function, antioxidant capacity, and immunity in broilers.

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