Intestinal Histomorphology Research Articles

Growth performance, organs weight, intestinal histomorphology, and oocyst shedding in broiler chickens offered novel single strain Bacillus subtilis isolated from camel dung and challenged with Eimeria

We evaluated a single strain Bacillus subtilis BS-9 direct-fed microbial (BSDFM) isolated from camel dung in Eimeria challenged broiler chickens. Seven-hundred d-old Ross 708 male chicks were placed in pens (25 birds/pen) and allocated to 2 treatments (n = 14). From d 0 to 13, control pens received untreated water (-BSDFM), and 2 treated pens received water and 2 mL x 108 colony forming unit/bird/d (+BSDFM); daily water intake (WI) was recorded. On d 9, birds in half (+Eimeria) of pens per treatment received of 1 mL of Eimeria maxima and Eimeria acervulina oocysts orally, and the other half (-Eimeria) sterile saline solution. Birds had ad libitum access to feed and a water line from d 14. Feed intake (FI), body weight (BW) and mortality were recorded for calculating BW gain (BWG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR). On d 14 and 35, samples of birds were necropsied for organ weight and intestinal measurements. Excreta samples were collected from d 14 to 19 for oocyst count. There was no treatment effect (P > 0.05) on growth performance or WI on d 0 to 9. There were interactions between BSDFM and Eimeria on d 19 (P = 0.014) and 29 (P = 0.036) BW with unchallenged +BSDFM birds being heavier than birds in the other treatments. The main effects (P < 0.05) on d 10 to 35 FI, BW, and BWG were such that +BSDFM increased and Eimeria decreased (P < 0.01) these parameters. There was interaction (P = 0.022) between BSDFM and Eimeria on d 10 to 35 FCR such that the FCR of challenged -BSDFM birds was poor than that of unchallenged counterparts, but none differed with +BSDFM birds. There was an interaction (P = 0.039) between BSDFM and Eimeria on d 14 bursa weight with challenged birds exhibiting heavier bursa than unchallenged +BSDFM birds. Eimeria reduced (P = 0.01) and BSDFM (P = 0.002) increased the villi height to crypt depth ratio. Results showed that BSDFM supplementation via water can support the growth performance of broiler chickens challenged with Eimeria and may be a strategy to reduce adverse effects of coccidiosis.

Dietary macroalgae Chaetomorpha linum supplementation improves morphology of small intestine and pectoral muscle, growth performance, and meat quality of broilers.

Over the last decades, the poultry industry has experienced steady growth. Although the industry is gradually expanding in Indonesia, poultry feed production has always been expensive. There is a need to study alternative ingredients to obtain affordable feed from natural resources. Chaetomorpha linum (CL) is an abundant macroalgae available throughout the year in Indonesia. This study aimed to determine the effect of CL on the histological structure of the small intestine, pectoralis muscle, growth performance, and meat quality of broilers. This study used 300-day-old chick (DOC) male broilers that were reared until they were 21 days old. This study used a completely randomized design with four treatment groups and five replications, and each replication group contained 15 DOC individuals. The treatment groups consisted of Control (CON), CON basal feed (BF), CL1 (0.75%/kg BF), CL2 (1.5%/kg BF), and CL3 (3%/kg BF) groups. The histological structure of the small intestine, pectoralis muscle, growth performance, and meat quality of the broiler was examined. Small intestine and pectoral muscle histomorphology, growth performance, and meat quality were significantly improved in the CL2 (1.5%) and CL3 (3%) groups compared with the CL1 (0.75%) and CON groups. Dietary CL supplementation ameliorates small intestine and pectoral muscle histomorphology, growth performance, and meat quality of broilers.

Effects of zinc supplementation from organic and inorganic sources on growth, blood biochemical indices, and intestinal microarchitecture in broilers

In poultry nutrition, zinc supplementation is typically achieved through the addition of zinc oxide or zinc sulfate to the feed. The alternative approach of organic sources utilizes an organic ligand to bind zinc (Zn), resulting in higher bioavailability. Thus, a study was conducted to assess and compare the impact of a methionine-complexed Zn versus an inorganic Zn on growth, blood biochemical profile, gut histomorphology, and fecal excretion of Zn in broilers. The experimental design included two treatments: the addition of a zinc amino acid complex or zinc oxide to the basal diet. The zinc amino acid complex was supplemented at a dose equivalent to the inorganic zinc (Zn-80), while the organic zinc was provided at levels of 20, 40, and 80 mg/kg to a total of 400 broilers. There were five treatments in total, and each treatment was replicated four times. Broilers supplemented with an organic form of Zn at the level of 80 mg/kg had significantly (p < 0.05) higher body weight gain and lower feed conversion ratio (F/G). Significantly (p < 0.05) higher Zn excretion was recorded in broilers supplemented with inorganic Zn supplementation. Significantly (p < 0.05) higher villus length and width, their ratio, and lower (p < 0.05) crypt depth were observed in birds supplemented with 80 mg/kg organic Zn. From the results of the present study, it was concluded that Zn from an organic source at the rate of 80 mg/kg was superior in terms of growth performance, intestinal histomorphology and less excretion of Zn to the environment in broilers.

Effects of Dietary Lycopene on the Growth Performance, Antioxidant Capacity, Meat Quality, Intestine Histomorphology, and Cecal Microbiota in Broiler Chickens.

The experiment aimed to investigate the effects of dietary lycopene on the growth performance, antioxidant capacity, meat quality, intestine histomorphology, and cecal microbiota in broiler chickens. We randomly divided five hundred and seventy-six one-day-old male broilers into four groups each with six replicates and 24 chickens in each replicate. The control group (CG) was fed the basal diet, and the other groups were given powder lycopene of 10, 20, and 30 mg/kg lycopene (LP10, LP20, and LP30, respectively). Compared with the control group, (1) the dietary lycopene increased (p = 0.001) the average daily gain and decreased (p = 0.033) the feed conversion ratio in the experimental groups; (2) the glutathione peroxidase enzyme contents in LP20 were higher (p =< 0.001) in myocardium; (3) the crude protein contents were higher (p = 0.007) in the group treated with 30 mg/kg dietary lycopene; (4) the jejunum villous height was higher (p = 0.040) in LP20; (5) the Unclassified-f-Ruminococcaceae relative abundance was significantly higher (p = 0.043) in LP20. In this study, adding 20 mg/kg dietary lycopene to the broiler chickens' diets improved the growth performance, antioxidant capacity, meat quality, intestine histomorphology, and cecal microbiota in broiler chickens.

Effect of dietary supplementation of encapsulated Lactobacillus plantarum and Pediococcus acidilactici probiotics on growth performance and intestinal histomorphology in large white yorkshire piglets

Effect of dietary supplementation of encapsulated Lactobacillus plantarum and Pediococcus acidilactici probiotics on growth performance and intestinal histomorphology in large white yorkshire piglets

Efficacy of Gum Arabic and Bacillus subtilis Alone and in Synbiotic Form on Overall Performance, Visceral and Lymphoid Organs Along with Intestinal Histomorphology and Selected Pathogenic Bacteria in Broiler Chickens

Efficacy of Gum Arabic and Bacillus subtilis Alone and in Synbiotic Form on Overall Performance, Visceral and Lymphoid Organs Along with Intestinal Histomorphology and Selected Pathogenic Bacteria in Broiler Chickens

Nile Tilapia Treated with QZ Toss and Biocure: Growth Performance and Intestinal Histomorphology

The goal of the current study was to determine how the products QZ Toss and Biocure may affect the Nile tilapia's (Oreochromis niloticus) growth, and health feature. Six of the seven fish groups that received the QZ Toss supplement for 35 days either on feed or in water were kept on a control diet. Growth and histopathological intestinal assessment significantly increased with the addition of oregano and/or probiotic mixture. Regardless of the amount of bioorgano utilized, the histological analysis showed that the groups treated with oregano had better intestinal epithelial state than the other groups. Additionally, the length of the intestinal villi increased. Therefore, as an effective way to accomplish practical and sustainable fish production, we may advise adding Biocure to aqua-feed in addition to applying QZ Toss to rearing water.

Effect of β-Mannanase and Soybean Hulls on the Nutrient Digestibility, Digesta Viscosity, Feces Consistency and Intestinal Histomorphology During Early Peak Production Period in Laying Hens

Effect of β-Mannanase and Soybean Hulls on the Nutrient Digestibility, Digesta Viscosity, Feces Consistency and Intestinal Histomorphology During Early Peak Production Period in Laying Hens

Effects of mannan-oligosaccharide supplementation on gut health, immunity, and production performance of broilers.

The study was designed to investigate the effect of mannan-oligosaccharide (MOS) supplementation on intestinal histomorphology, immunity against Newcastle disease virus (NDV) and productive parameters of broilers. A total of 1800, day old broiler chicks of Cobb-500 strain were selected and randomly assorted into 6 treatment groups: T1 (basal diet without antibiotics as negative control); T2 (basal diet plus antibiotics as positive control group); T3 (basal diet plus 200g/ton MOS); T4 (basal diet plus 400g/ton MOS); T5 (basal diet plus 600g/ton MOS) and T6 (basal diet plus 800g/ton MOS). Each treatment was having 6 replicates and the feed intake, body weight gain and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were recorded on weekly basis. Results showed that, MOS supplemented birds have significantly higher feed intake, weight gain and FCR (P < 0.05). Similarly, supplementation of MOS showed positive effect on villus height and crypt depth both in jejunum and ilium. Goblet cell density was unaffected by MOS addition (P < 0.05). Furthermore, birds fed with diets containing MOS, exhibited better productive performance in comparison to positive and negative control groups. In conclusion, MOS can replace antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) as non-microbial performance-enhancing feed advocates.

Supplementation of Guanidinoacetic Acid in Feed on Growth Performance, Intestine Histomorphology, Muscle Histology and Meat Quality of Native Chicken

Supplementation of Guanidinoacetic Acid in Feed on Growth Performance, Intestine Histomorphology, Muscle Histology and Meat Quality of Native Chicken

Supplementing infant milk formula with a multi-strain synbiotic and osteopontin enhances colonic microbial colonization and modifies jejunal gene expression in lactating piglets.

A total of ninety-six weaned piglets were assigned to four dietary treatments in a 2 × 2 design. The treatments included: a standard milk formula (CTR); CTR + probiotics (6.4 × 108 cfu L-1Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis CECT 7210 and 1.1 × 108 cfu L-1Lactobacillus rhamnosus NH001) + prebiotics (galacto-oligosaccharides 4.36 g L-1 and human-milk-oligosaccharide 0.54 g L-1) (SYN); CTR + osteopontin (0.43 g L-1) (OPN); and CTR + SYN + OPN (CON). Daily records including feed intake, body weight, and clinical signs, were maintained throughout the 15-day trial. At the end of the study samples from blood, digestive content, and gut tissues were collected to determine serum TNF-α, intestinal fermentative activity (SCFA and ammonia), colonic microbiota (16S rRNA Illumina-MiSeq), histomorphology, and jejunal gene expression (Open-Array). No statistical differences were found in weight gain; however, the animals supplemented with osteopontin exhibited higher feed intake. In terms of clinical signs, synbiotic supplementation led to a shorter duration of diarrhoea episodes. Regarding gut health, the sequenced faecal microbiota revealed better control of potentially dysbiotic bacteria with the CON diet at day 15. In the colon compartment, a significant increase in SCFA concentration, a decrease in ammonia concentration, and a significant decrease in intraepithelial lymphocyte counts were particularly observed in CON animals. The supplemented diets were also associated with modified jejunal gene expression. The synbiotic combination was characterized by the upregulation of genes related to intestinal maturation (ALPI, SI) and nutrient transport (SLC13A1, SLC15A1, SLC5A1, SLC7A8), and the downregulation of genes related to the response to pathogens (GBP1, IDO, TLR4) or the inflammatory response (IDO, IL-1β, TGF-β1). Osteopontin promoted the upregulation of a digestive function gene (GCG). Correlational analysis between the microbiota population and various intestinal environmental factors (SCFA concentration, histology, and gene expression) proposes mechanisms of communication between the gut microbiota and the host. In summary, these results suggest an improvement in the colonic colonization process and a better modulation of the immune response when milk formula is supplemented with the tested synbiotic combined with osteopontin, benefiting from a synergistic effect.

Effect of Restricted Feeding on Growth Performance, Carcass Traits, Blood Hematology, Internal Organs, and Intestinal Histomorphology of Broilers

Effect of Restricted Feeding on Growth Performance, Carcass Traits, Blood Hematology, Internal Organs, and Intestinal Histomorphology of Broilers

Interactive impacts of rosemary oil and amylase-lipase enzymes on Liza ramada performance, ammonia excretion, digestion, serum biochemistry and intestinal histomorphology

An 84-day growing trial was conducted to evaluate Liza ramada's performance and health. Five treatments (3 replicates) were tested using anexperimental diet (ED) supplemented with rosemary oil (RO) or RO and amylase-lipase (AL) enzymes as follows; (T1) fish-fed ED with no additives “control”; (T2) fish fed ED containing 0.5 kg ton−1 RO; (T3) fish fed ED containing 0.5 kg RO and 0.917 kg AL ton−1; (T4) fish fed ED containing 1 kg ton−1 RO; and (T5) fish fed ED containing 1 kg RO and 0.917 kg AL ton−1. A total of 150 Liza ramada fish (7.30 ± 0.01 g/fish) were housed in 15 hapas (10 fish/hapa) and fed the tested diets twice daily at 4–3% of body weight. Findings revealed that fish that received RO and RO + AL supplemented diets had lower NH3 levels and higher survival rates (24.32, 51.34, 37.83, and 54.05%) in groups T2, T3, T4, and T5, respectively when compared to the control. Furthermore, improvements in FW, WG, SGR, and FCR were recorded for fish-fed supplemented diets with better values at T5. Moreover, liver enzyme activity, kidney function indices, and intestinal histomorphometric measurements were improved in fish-fed RO + AL treated diets. The recommended treatment is T5 (1 kg RO and 0.917 kg AL ton−1).

Effects of feeding eubiotics as antibiotic substitutes on growth performance, intestinal histomorphology and microbiology of broilers

The inclusion of prebiotics and/or probiotics in broiler diets as a substitute for antibiotics is a topic of interest in poultry nutrition research due to concerns about antibiotic resistance and the need for sustainable poultry production practices. A total of 200 one-day-old chicks were housed in 40 cages, with eight cages repeated per treatment. Birds were fed a basal diet supplemented with one of five feed treatments at the following rates: 0 (control), 0.05 g Neoxyval/kg (antimicrobial growth promoter (AGP)), 0.2 g GalliPro®/kg (probiotic), 0.6 g TechnoMos®/kg (prebiotic) and a mixture of 0.2 g GalliPro®/kg + 0.6 g TechnoMos®/kg (symbiotic). During 0–42 days, the growth performance of broilers, carcass characteristics and intestinal histomorphology were investigated. The AGP, prebiotic and probiotic-treated birds outperformed the control and symbiotic-treated groups in terms of body weight gain, feed conversion, performance index and feed efficiency. The birds given AGP and probiotics had the longest partial and total small intestine length, while the birds given prebiotics had the smallest. In addition, prebiotic-treated birds had longer ileum villi and higher ileal lactic acid bacteria colonies than control and AGP-treated birds. Clostridium perfringens was eradicated from the ileum by probiotics, but not from the caecum. In conclusion, probiotics and prebiotics can be used as an alternative to antibiotics in broiler diets.

Source diversity of Artemia enrichment boosts goldfish (Carassius auratus) performance, β-carotene content, pigmentation, immune-physiological and transcriptomic responses

This study aimed to assess the impact of spirulina and/or canthaxanthin-enriched Artemia on the goldfish (Carassius auratus) growth, pigmentation, blood analysis, immunity, intestine and liver histomorphology, and expression of somatolactin (SL) and growth hormone (GH) genes. Artemia was enriched with spirulina and/or canthaxanthin for 24 h. Goldfish (N = 225, 1.10 ± 0.02 g) were tested in five experimental treatments, three replicates each: (T1) fish fed a commercial diet; (T2) fish fed a commercial diet and un-enriched Artemia (UEA); (T3) fish fed a commercial diet and spirulina-enriched Artemia (SEA); (T4) fish fed a commercial diet and canthaxanthin-enriched Artemia (CEA); and (T5) fish fed a commercial diet and spirulina and canthaxanthin-enriched Artemia (SCA) for 90 days. The results showed that the use of spirulina and/or canthaxanthin increased performance, β-carotene content and polyunsaturated fatty acids of Artemia. For goldfish, T5 showed the highest growth performance, β-carotene concentration and the lowest chromatic deformity. T5 also showed improved hematology profile, serum biochemical, and immunological parameters. Histomorphology of the intestine revealed an increase in villi length and goblet cells number in the anterior and middle intestine, with normal liver structure in T5. SL and GH gene expression in the liver and brain differed significantly among treatments with a significant increase in enriched Artemia treatments compared to T1 and T2. In conclusion, the use of spirulina and/or canthaxanthin improved performance of Artemia. Feeding goldfish spirulina and/or canthaxanthin-enriched Artemia improved performance, β-carotene content, pigmentation, health status and immune-physiological response.

Evaluation of the Histomorphology of Small Intestine of Wistar Rats Exposed to Eliozu Dumpsite Leachate

This study is aimed to evaluate the histomorphology of small intestine of Wistar rats exposed to Eliozu dumpsite leachate. The toxic effect of Eliozu dumpsite leachate has been studied, where the researcher has identified that the leachate has toxicological effects on some organ tissues like the blood, reproductive tracts and hormones, oxidative stress parameters and the cerebral cortex. Twenty-five female Wistar rats weighing between 120-140 g were obtained from the animal house unit of Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria. The rats were randomly assigned into five groups of five (5) rats in each group. Group 1 served as a control and orally received 1 ml of bottled water; group 2 orally received 1 ml of water from a borehole close to the dumpsite. Groups 3, 4 and 5 received 1 ml of 10%, 50%, and 100% leachate concentrations orally for 30 days. In the present study, an alteration in the histoarchitecture of the small intestine of the Eliozu dumpsite leachate treated animals was observed; the small intestine of the control group has shown normal intestinal histoarchitecture. The mucosa forms a series of finger-like villi, each showing lamina propria, blood capillaries etc. the simple columnar mucosal epithelium contains absorptive goblets cells, crypts of Liberkuhn in the mucosa and Brunner’s glands. It is concluded that exposure to the Eliozu dumpsite leachate and the consumption of the nearby borehole water with significant heavy metals and microorganism have caused the histopathological alterations in gastrointestinal tracts (small intestines) of animals and it is recommend that Government and environmental regulatory agencies find an ecofriendly method to treat Eliozu dumpsite leachate.

Effect of fecal microbiota transplantation on early intestinal immune function and histomorphology of immune organs in chicks.

Modern management of eggs causes the normal vertical transmission of microbiota from hens to be significantly reduced. The risk of environmental threats to newborn chicks is raised. The microbial community helps to mature the immune system of chicks and protect them from pathogen invasion. We still have doubts about whether transplanting the microbiota can regulate gut immunity. Using the gut microbiota of hens as an excellent resource to improve the immunity of chicks may provide new ideas for the development of the poultry industry.

Effect of two different dietary endo-1,4-β-xylanases on growth performance, intestinal histomorphology, caecal microbial population and short-chain fatty acid composition of broiler chickens

Effects of two different dietary xylanases on broiler performance and gut integrity were determined. Totally, 7600-d-old Ross-308 chicks were used for 41 d. Chicks were randomly assigned to 4 dietary treatments with 10 replicates (95 males, 95 females per replicate); they were: positive control (PC) based on Ross 308 nutrient specification; negative control (NC) with less ME (80 kcal/kg), crude protein and amino acids compared to PC; NC + AO with addition of xylanase derived from Aspergillus oryzae (AO); NC + TB with addition of xylanase derived from Trichoderma bisset (TB). Birds fed on PC diet significantly (p < 0.05) had higher final body weight (BW) and body weight gain (BWG) compared to other treatments. The final BWG and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were not fully compensated with the addition of the enzymes compared to PC, and FCR was found significantly (p < 0.05) higher in birds fed on diets NC + AO and NC + TB. However, dietary xylanase significantly improved FCR, villus surface area and total goblet cell number in NC + AO and NC + TB birds compared to NC. Xylanase supplementation significantly increased the concentrations of branched-chain fatty acid (BCFA) and total caecal short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) (p < 0.05). Furthermore, both xylanases increased lactobacillus count (p < 0.05). Dietary treatments had no effect on carcase parameters and mortality rate. In conclusion, along with improving performance parameters, the inclusion of xylanase enzymes with nutrient matrix value in broilers’ diet may ameliorate intestinal morphology, stimulate caecal microflora and increase caecal SCFA concentrations, but nutrient contribution of both enzymes seems overestimated.HIGHLIGHTSDietary xylanase could not compensate the final BWG and FCR compared to positive control.Dietary xylanase increased villus surface area and total goblet cell number.Dietary xylanase increased the concentrations of branched-chain fatty acids and total caecal short-chain fatty acid.

Effect of fenugreek seeds and Bacillus-based direct-fed microbials on the growth performance, blood biochemicals, and intestinal histomorphology of broiler chickens

BackgroundThe objective of the present study was to evaluate the potential synergistic impact of the combination of fenugreek seeds (FS) and Bacillus-based direct-fed microbials (DFM) on growth performance, intestinal health, and hematological parameters of broiler chickens.MethodsA total of 160 one-day-old (Ross 308) broiler chicks were randomly assigned to a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement, with two levels of FS (0 and 5 g/kg) and two levels of Bacillus-DFM (0 and 0.1 g/kg), with five replicates of 8 birds each.ResultsThe result showed that dietary supplementation of FS at 5 g/kg did not improve the growth performance of broilers but impaired the early growth performance by reducing body weight gain and increasing feed conversion ratio, which was recovered during finisher phase. Dietary supplementation of Bacillus-based DFM at 0.1 g/kg did not affect the performance variables but increased the feed conversion ratio. The interaction of fenugreek seeds and Bacillus-based DFM showed synergistic effects on growth performance during the later stages of production. However, antagonistic effects were observed on the blood parameters and the gut morphology.ConclusionThis study demonstrated that FS and DFM had different effects on the broiler health and production depending on the phase of production. The interaction between FS and DFM revealed synergistic effects on growth performance during the finisher phase, but antagonistic effects on blood parameters and gut morphology. Further studies are needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and optimize the dosage and combination of FS and DFM for broiler health and production.

Potential use of cowpea protein hydrolysate as a dietary supplement in broiler chickens: effects on growth, intestinal morphology, muscle lipid profile, and immune status

In the current study, we tested the effects of dietary cowpea protein hydrolysate (CPH) on broilers’ growth, carcase traits, intestinal histomorphology, The fatty acid profile of breast muscle, blood biochemical parameters, and immune status. Three-day age male Ross-308 broilers (n = 300, average weight 86.72 g ± 0.20) were distributed into five groups and fed on five diets supplied with five levels of CPH at 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 g kg−1 for 35 days. The results revealed that dietary CPH did not change (P < 0.05) the broilers’ growth performance or carcase traits, except for a quadratic decrease (P < 0.05) in FCR at concentrations 2 and 4 g kg−1 during the finisher period. The villus heights (VH) and goblet cell count (GCC) were increased (P < 0.05) in the duodenum and jejunum; however, the villus width decreased (P < 0.05) in the duodenum without showing changes (P < 0.05) in the jejunum and ileum. Dietary supplementation with 6 g CPH kg−1 increased (P < 0.05) the duodenal crypt depth (CD). Dietary supplementation with 8 g CPH kg −1 increased the VH: CD in the duodenum compared to the control; nevertheless, a quadratic (P < 0.05) change was reported in the jejunum. The VH: CD did not change (P < 0.05) in the ileum; however, dietary supplementation with 6 CPH kg−1 increased (P < 0.05) the ileal VH and GCC. The inclusion of CPH led to a linear (P < 0.05) increase in the total n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), n-6 PUFA, and n-3/n-6 PUFA in broilers’ breast muscle. An increase in the assessed metabolic and immune status indices was reported, as evidenced by increases (P < 0.05) in thyroid hormones, growth hormone, total protein, albumin, globulin, lysozymes, interferon-gamma, interleukin10, and complement 3 serum levels. However, the serum glucose and leptin levels did not show significant (p > 0.05) changes in response to dietary CPH. Moreover, the dietary CPH levels 4–8 g kg−1 upregulated the immunostaining of IgG in the spleen of these groups. These findings suggested that including CPH in broiler diets could be an effective candidate for modulating the chickens’ metabolic and immune status; however, it had no increased effect on broiler growth.