Document Type : Research Articles
Authors
1
Expert in the Research and Development Department of Nika Zist Afrin Knowledge-Based Company
2
Department of animal science, Faculty Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad
3
Managing Director at Nika Zist Afrin Knowledge-Based Company
4
شرکت دانش بنیان نیکا زیست آفرین، دانشگاه تهران
5
, Agriculture group, Islamic Azad University of Mashhad
6
, Professor of food microbiology, Food hygiene department, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad
7
Associate professor, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran
10.22067/ijasr.2025.94422.1258
Abstract
Introduction: The health and safety of the poultry's digestive tract plays a vital role in improving performance, growth rate, and reducing mortality in broiler and layer flocks. A healthy digestive system enhances the digestion and absorption of nutrients, thereby increasing feed efficiency. The gut’s immune system serves as the first line of defense against pathogens. Any disruption in digestive function can lead to weight loss, reduced egg production, and increased susceptibility of the flock to disease. Additionally, unfavorable farm conditions, such as high density or inadequate ventilation, cause stress that weakens the immune response of the digestive system. Intestinal health is recognized as a key indicator of overall flock performance. Therefore, prioritizing the health and safety of the digestive tract is essential not only as a health necessity but also as an economic strategy to enhance production efficiency.
Materials and methods: In this study, the effects of an oral drinking water supplement containing the avian cytokine (commercially known as CytoGard) were evaluated for the first time in broiler chickens. There were six treatments: three concentrations of CytoGard including 10, 20, and 80 nanograms of the active ingredient per liter of drinking water and three control groups were included: non-supplemented drinking water (Control group), CytoGard without the active cytokine (Cyto0), and a commercial probiotic PrimaLAC at a recommended dose. The trial was conducted over a 42-day rearing period using 360 Ross broiler chicks in a completely randomized design consisting of six replicates in each group and 10 chickens per replicate. Body weight and feed intake were recorded on days 10, 24, and 42. On day 30, blood samples were collected from the experimental groups for hematological analysis and hemagglutination inhibition (HI) testing for influenza and Newcastle disease. For sampling, two birds were randomly selected from four cages per group (a total of 8 birds per group) and killed on day 42. Ileal and cecal digesta were collected for microbiota population analysis, and tissue samples from the duodenum, ileum, and jejunum were collected for intestinal histopathology.
Results and discussion: Our results demonstrated that the concentration of 20 nanograms per liter of the cytokine as an optimal dose, leading to a reduction in feed conversion ratio (FCR) by 0.10 in the starter and grower phases, and up to 0.14 during the finisher phase. During the rearing period, the difference in FCR between this group and the control reached 0.19. Daily weight gain in this group in the starter phase increased by 0.57 grams per bird. The weight gain differences during the grower and finisher phases were 2.94 g and 2.44 g, respectively. Overall, during the entire trial period, this group showed a significant weight increase (4.13 grams) compared to the control. Moreover, this group showed a 2% reduction in mortality during the rearing period compared to the control group. The concentration of 10 ng/L also resulted in improved FCR and weight gain relative to the control. However, the 80 ng/L concentration showed no significant difference compared to the control. Microbiological analysis of ileal and cecal digesta revealed that supplementation with CytoGard at 20 ng/L significantly reduced the population of the pathogenic bacterium Escherichia coli compared to other CytoGard-treated and control groups. Furthermore, the number of beneficial Lactobacillus bacteria significantly increased compared to both the control and the Cyto0 groups. CytoGard treatment did not cause any significant changes in hematological parameters or HI antibody titers for Newcastle and influenza viruses compared to the control group.
Histopathological findings showed that 20 ng/L of the cytokine positively affected the intestinal microvilli and increased muscular thickness in the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum sections. Villus length and muscular layer thickness in the 20 ng/L group were significantly increased in the jejunum section compared to the control and Cyto0 groups.
Conclusion: In conclusion, regular administration of CytoGard as a drinking water supplement at the optimal concentration during the rearing period resulted in increased body weight and reduced FCR in broiler chickens. This supplement also had a significant impact on modulating the gut microbial population and enhancing villus height and muscle thickness. Therefore, CytoGard may serve as a novel and effective strategy for improving gastrointestinal health and reducing treatment costs in the poultry industry.
Keywords: Cytokine, Gastrointestinal health, Gut microbiota, Histopathology
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