Effects of adding tea tree oil on growth performance, immune function, and intestinal function of broilers.

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Poultry Nutrition
• Immunology

Background:

• Investigating natural feed additives for poultry is crucial for sustainable livestock production.
• Tea tree oil (TTO) possesses known antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Understanding TTO's impact on broiler performance and health is of commercial interest.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effects of dietary tea tree oil (TTO) supplementation on broiler growth performance.
• To assess the influence of TTO on the immune function of broilers.
• To determine the impact of TTO on the intestinal morphology and health of broilers.

Main Methods:

• 1,650 one-day-old broilers were divided into five groups: control, positive control (oregano oil), and three TTO doses (50, 100, 200 mg/kg).
• The trial lasted for 28 days, with measurements of body weight, average daily gain (ADG), and feed conversion ratio (F/G).
• Immune parameters included thymus index, serum cytokine levels (C3, IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-2), and avian influenza H9 antibody titers. Intestinal morphology was also analyzed.

Main Results:

• Broilers fed TTO demonstrated significantly improved body weight, ADG, and F/G compared to the control group.
• TTO supplementation led to increased thymus index and elevated serum levels of key immune markers (C3, IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-2).
• Significant increases in avian influenza H9 antibody titers and improvements in intestinal morphology were observed in TTO-treated groups.

Conclusions:

• Dietary tea tree oil (TTO) effectively promotes broiler growth performance.
• TTO supplementation modulates the immune system and enhances intestinal health in broilers.
• A dosage of 50 mg/kg TTO in basal diets is recommended, providing a basis for its use in livestock feed.