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Abstract
ABSTRACT The present study aims to evaluate the effects of Gallus epidermal growth factor (gEGF) on growth performance, immune function, intestinal barrier, and the inflammatory response in broilers. A total of 192 one-day-old Xianju broilers were randomly divided into 4 groups, each consisting of 8 replicates with 6 broilers per replicate. The control group was fed a basal diet, while the experimental groups received the basal diet supplemented with 4, 8, and 12 ng/kg gEGF, respectively. The results demonstrated that 8 ng/kg gEGF significantly improved the average daily body weight gain of the broilers, increased intestinal goblet cell density, and ameliorated intestinal morphology. Supplementation with gEGF promoted serum immunoglobulin A (IgA), IgM, IgG, and lysozyme secretion, as well as increased immune organ indices, including the thymus, spleen, and bursa. Additionally, dietary supplementation with gEGF significantly upregulated the mRNA expression levels of MUC2, TRAF6, and TGF-β1 in the trachea, Harderian gland, and cecal tonsil. Furthermore, gEGF enhanced the jejunal mucosa mRNA expression levels of MUC2, IL-13, and TCR, while downregulating the mRNA expression of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with gEGF promoted growth performance in broilers by ameliorating intestinal morphology, enhancing immune function, strengthening gut barrier, and inhibiting inflammatory response.
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