Effects of Green Oaks Acorns (Quercus ilex) based Diets Added of Calcium Bentonite on Health of Broilers Reared in the Cages and Ground Modes

Abstract

Background: The use of natural resources and food additives rich in bioactive nutrients in poultry diets offer better digestive use and have a proven health impact. In this context, the use of green oak acorn added of calcium bentonite are better suited to to improve growth and enrich the meat with a some its nutrients limit the meat lipoperoxidation. In addition, the breeding battery mode compared to the ground mode offers better conditions and enhance productivity. This study evaluated the effects of diets based on green oak acorns supplemented with calcium bentonite on organ histology of broilers to ascertain the impact on the poultry health. Methods: 300 broilers one day-old of the ISA F15 strain were divided into two groups, one raised on the ground and the other in cages. Each group was divided into three subgroups. Each subgroup receives either a standard diet without addition of acorn or bentonite constituting the diet control (DC). Result: Analysis of the histological sections revealed that the addition of bentonite in the feed of poultry reared, particularly on the ground seems to preserve at the best histological level of certain internal organs; Fabricius bursa, liver, small intestines. Adding bentonite to the acorn diet nearly halved the intensity of follicular necrosis compared to the lesion appearance of controls. Follicular scarring expressed by the extent of fibrosis was extensive on the bursae. This study concluded that the use of green oak acorn in chicken feed along with 2% calcium bentonite shows the best beneficial effects on health status.