Effect of Effective Microorganisms on intestinal morphology and morphometry in Japanese quails

Michał Gesek,Rajmund Sokół,Barry D Lambert,Iwona Otrocka-Domagała

doi:10.3906/vet-1801-29

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of supplementation with Effective Microorganisms (EM) on the morphology and the morphometry of the intestine, and on proliferation activity of crypt cells in Japanese quails. The EM group (16 birds) received EM for 30 days in water (3 L/1000 L of water) and in feed (5 kg/1000 kg of feed) mixed with standard diet. The second group (16 birds) was established as the control group (no EM supplementation). Histopathological analysis revealed infiltration of lymphoid cells mainly in the duodenum and jejunum similarly in the EM and the control groups. The EM group showed irregular villus surfaces when compared to the control group. Morphometric analysis revealed significant differences in the EM group for villus width in the duodenum (186.0 μm to 170.7 μm; P ≤ 0.05), in crypt depth (129.2 ?m to 110.7 μm; P ≤ 0.05), muscular layer thickness in the jejunum (70.88 ?m to 57.44 ?m) (P ≤ 0.05), and muscular layer thickness in the ileum (76.88 ?m to 64.76 ?m; P ≤ 0.05). Immunohistochemical analysis of proliferating cell nuclear antigen activity was similar for the EM and the control groups: in the duodenum 90.82% in the control group and 91.89% in the EM group, in the jejunum 93.32% in the control group and 94.53% in the EM group, and in the ileum 92.53% in the control group and 93.92% in the EM group. Supplementation with EM resulted in improved structure and functions of the villi and changed their surface, height, width, and crypt depth.

Highlights

It is known that morphology of the alimentary system, especially the structure of the villi in different parts of the gut, influences digestion and absorption of nutrients
An interesting observation was the irregular surface of the villi in 6 cases in the Effective Microorganisms (EM) group and none in the control group in the jejunum, 4 cases in the EM group with one in the control group in the ileum, and 2 cases in both groups in the duodenum
One case of fibromuscular dysplasia was diagnosed in the artery in the cecum in the control group

Summary

Introduction

It is known that morphology of the alimentary system, especially the structure of the villi in different parts of the gut, influences digestion and absorption of nutrients. Increased height and width of the villi increases the digestion and absorption surface area, thereby increasing utilization of available nutrients. Dietary supplements such as seeds of plants, proteins, various sources of fiber, vitamins, amino acids, and microelements influence the morphology of the gut. Previous research concerning various protein levels in broiler chickens’ diet on histological features of intestinal mucosa showed that a medium-protein diet (20.5% crude protein) caused lengthening of villi, which supported digestive enzyme action, and resulted in more effective transport of nutrients at the villus surface [1]. Genetic progress pointed to higher final body mass, improved feed conversion due to improved gut morphology, increased villous surface area, greater crypt depth, and higher enterocyte migration rate, which is 40% higher in fast-growing broilers [4]

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Conclusion