The Effects of Enterococcus Faecium and Origanum Onites Powder Supplementation to Diet on Growth, Gut Health, Intestinal Morphology, Meat Traits and Breast Meat MDA of Male Broiler Chicks

Abstract

This study evaluated growth, gut health and meat traits effectiveness of Enterococcus faecium (EF) and Origanum onites powder (OOP) on male broilers. A total of 160 (ROSS 308) one day old male broiler chicks randomly distributed to four dietary treatments; basal diet (T₀), basal diet + 0.2% EF (T₁), basal diet + 0.5% OOP (T₂), basal diet + 1% OOP (T₃). BWG was higher in T₁ and T₂ groups than Control T₀ group (P<0.05). FI, FCR, mortality, internal organs, meat traits, breast meat MDA levels and LAB count did not change among the treatments. Villi length increased in T₁ and T₂ groups than control T₀ group (P<0.001). Crypt depth increased in T₂ and T₃ groups than T₀ and T₁ groups in jejunum and crypt depth increased T₂ group than compared to the other groups in ileum (P<0.001). Villi crypt ratio increased in T₁ group compared to the other groups in jejunum and ileum and T₃ group was higher from control T₀ group in ileum (P<0.001). Enterococcus sp. Count increased in T₁ group and E. coli count decreased in T₂ group compared to other groups in cecum (P<0.05). Gizzard weight decreased in T₁ group than T₀ and T₂ groups (P<0.05). L* value of thigh meat increased in T₃ group than control T₀ group. The results of study showed that 0.5% OOP supplementation (T₂) improved the performance values like probiotic Enterococcus faecium supplementation (T₁) and have a potential as growth promoter in broilers. However, it is necessary to try different doses of OOP or under the different stress factors.