Improvement of histomorphometric indices and intestinal microbiota in broiler chickens using antibiotic alternatives

Document Type : Full Research Paper

Authors

1 MSc. Student Department of Poultry Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran

2 Professor Department of Poultry Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Tarbiat Modarres University, Tehran, Iran

3 Associate Professor. Department of Poultry Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Tarbiat Modares University.

Abstract

Introduction: Because of environmental and health problems due to antibiotics, using of antibiotic alternatives are recommended in poultry industries.
Objective: The present study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of growth-promoting compounds as substitutes for antibiotics on the morphology and microbiota of the intestines in broiler chickens over a six-week period.
Procedure: In this study, 250 one-day-old broiler chickens (Arian strain) were randomly assigned to five experimental groups: 1) Control (without any additives); 2) Antibiotic (Oxytetracycline 20% ); 3) Probiotic (Gutro care Poultry); 4) Prebiotic (Nutri Yeast); and 5) Enzyme (Bonfeed).
Findings: The results of this study indicated that different additives had a positive effect on intestinal morphology parameters. The probiotic treatment significantly increased villus height, villus thickness, crypt depth, and villus surface area compared to the control group (P<0.05). Additionally, the additives effectively reduced levels of Escherichia coli and aerobic bacteria in cecume, while increasing the population of lactic acid bacteria (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Based on findings of this research, the use of growth-promoting compounds, particularly probiotics, can be recommended as effective substitutes for antibiotics in broiler chickens. These changes not only improve digestive processes but also enhance nutrient absorption, ultimately leading to improve health and growth performance of the chickens. The results of this study can serve as practical guidance for better utilization of nutritional resources and reducing dependency on antibiotics in the poultry industry. These findings demonstrate that nutritional additives can play a vital role in overall improvement of the health and productivity of broiler chickens.

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Veterinary Research & Biological Products
Volume 38, Issue 4
January 2026
Pages 21-29

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History

  • Receive Date: 06 March 2025
  • Revise Date: 23 April 2025
  • Accept Date: 25 April 2025

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