Effects of a natural phytogenic feed additive on broiler performance, carcass traits, and gut health under diets with optimal and reduced energy and amino acid density.

Abstract

Phytogenic feed additives are gaining attention as potential alternatives to enhance broiler growth performance and feed efficiency. The experiment investigated the effects of supplementing broiler diets over 35 days with two levels of Fibrafid (0.15 % and 0.25 %) under two dietary regimes: normal amino acid density and metabolizable energy (ME) levels (referred to as positive control diet plus Fibrafid: PC1+0.15 % or PC1+0.25 % Fibrafid) and diets with a 5 % reduction in amino acid density and a 1.5 % reduction in ME (referred to as negative control diet plus Fibrafid: NC1+0.15 % or NC1+0.25 % Fibrafid) on performance parameters and carcass attributes of Ross 308 broilers. These were compared to standard positive control diets (PC1 and PC2, without or with TURBO Grow) and negative control diets (NC1 and NC2, without or with TURBO Grow). Performance indicators were estimated during 0-9, 11-23, 24-35, and 0-35. On day 35, the carcass characteristics and jejunal histopathology were evaluated. Results demonstrated significant improvements in body weight gain and feed conversion ratio (FCR) with Fibrafid inclusion, particularly at 0.25 % over trail. Fibrafid supplementation compensated for reduced dietary energy and protein, leading to improved growth performance, and gizzard and Bursa weights compared to negative control diets. Compared to NC1, the PC1+0.25 % Fibrafid show a significant improvement in jejunal villus morphology, leading to an increase in villus width, height, surface area, and goblet cell density by 5.3 %, 4.8 %, 12.5 %, and 56.7 % respectively. In conclusion, Fibrafid supplementation positively impacts growth performance and intestinal structure, potentially improving nutrient absorption, and jejunal integrity in broilers, proving Fibrafid's promise as a viable option in modern poultry nutrition.