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Promoting poultry bird performance using phytogenics as a healthy modulator of gut morphometry in broiler birds

Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa state, Animal science, Nigeria

Abstract

In light of growing concerns about antimicrobial resistance and regulatory restrictions on the use of antibiotic growth promoters, there's increased exploitation of natural feed additives as alternatives. This study investigated the effect of dietary supplementation of broiler chicken with pawpaw seed (Carica papaya) and black pepper seed (Piper guineense) at inclusion levels of 1% and 2%, alongside a control group and an antibiotics-supplemented group, on the small intestinal (ileum) morphology responses in broiler chickens.
A total of 240, day-old AHBOR acre broiler chickens were distributed into six treatment groups, having four replicates and ten birds per replicate. The duration of the experiment was a 42-day feeding trial, based on a completely randomised design. On day 42, two birds per replicate were selected and slaughtered. The small intestine (ileum) was excised and placed in a sterile container having 10% formalin for histomorphological analysis. Parameters measured include villus height, villus width, crypt depth, crypt width and muscle thickness. Data collected on gut morphometry measures were subjected to a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and means were compared using the Duncan multiple range test.
Gut morphometry results revealed that villus height differed significantly (P < 0.05) amongst treatments, with birds fed 2% Carica papaya (2.92) exhibiting the highest values, followed by Carica papaya 1% (2.85) and the control group (2.79). Birds fed Piper guineense showed moderate values (2.582% and 2.441%), while the antibiotic (2.24) treated group recorded the lowest villus height. A similar trend was observed for crypt width, where the 2% Carica papaya (2.80) had the highest values, followed by the control group (2.74) and birds fed Carica papaya 1% (2.71), Piper guineense 2% and Carica papaya 1% showed moderate values. In comparison, the antibiotics group and Piper guineense 1% showed comparatively lower values. No significant differences (P > 0.05) were observed in villus height, crypt depth and muscle thickness.
In conclusion, dietary supplementation with Carica papaya seed, particularly at 2% inclusion level, improved gut morphometric parameters in broiler chickens and may serve as a more effective natural alternative to antibiotics in broiler diets.

Keywords: Broiler chicken, gut morphometry, phytogenic, poultry diet

Contact Address: Francess Dudu, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa state, Animal science, Adule ama, Amassoma, Amassoma, Bayelsa, Nigeria, e-mail: dudufrancess22gmail.com