Targeted-Release Organic Acids and Essential Oils Improve Performance and Digestive Function in Broilers Under a...

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Gut Microbiome Research
• Poultry Nutrition

Background:

• Recycled NE litter challenges broiler gut health.
• Organic acids and aromatic compounds show potential for improving gut health.
• Microencapsulation enhances the stability and efficacy of feed additives.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of four microencapsulated blends of organic acids (OA) and aromatic compounds (AC) on broiler growth and gut health.
• To assess the impact of these blends on intestinal histomorphology and gut microbiota composition.
• To determine optimal dosages in a dose-response experiment.

Main Methods:

• Six hundred male Ross 308 broilers were fed diets supplemented with different microencapsulated OA+AC blends.
• Intestinal histomorphology, growth performance, and fecal/cecal microbiota were analyzed.
• A dose-response study identified effective inclusion levels for specific blends.

Main Results:

• Three tested blends significantly improved growth performance and intestinal histomorphology (p < 0.001).
• Beneficial bacteria families (Ruminococcaceae, Lachnospiraceae) increased, while harmful families (Enterobacteriaceae, Helicobacteraceae) decreased.
• Specific dosages of blend 2 (0.5 g/kg) and blend 4 (2 g/kg) optimized growth and gut health, reducing pathogenic bacteria.

Conclusions:

• Microencapsulated OA+AC blends are effective in improving broiler growth and gut health under NE litter challenge.
• These additives modulate the gut microbiota, promoting beneficial bacteria and inhibiting pathogens.
• Optimized inclusion levels can enhance poultry production efficiency and gut integrity.