Natural and crystal bundles disaggregated palygorskite in young broilers: A comparison study.

Objective: : This study aimed to compare the effects of natural palygorskite (Nat-Pal) and crystal bundles disaggregated palygorskite (Dis-Pal) supplementation on the growth performance, intestinal health, and digestive function of young broilers.

Methods: : A total of 400 male Arbor Acres broilers (one-day-old) were randomly assigned to five experimental groups with eight replicates over a 14-day experimental period. Chicks were fed a basal diet (Control group), the basal diet supplemented with 10 g/kg Nat-Pal or 2.5, 5, and 10 g/kg Dis-Pal, respectively.

Results: : Dis-Pal linearly increased average body weight and average daily gain, and decreased feed to gain ratio of broilers from days 1 to 14, with the 5-10 g/kg Dis-Pal showing the most pronounced effects (P < 0.05). An addition of Dis-Pal linearly increased glucose level, and decreased triglyceride level in serum (P < 0.05). Compared to the control group, 5 g/kg Dis-Pal increased the digestibility of crude protein and dry matter, enhanced trypsin, lipase, and amylase activities in jejunal digesta, and elevated the ratio between villus height and crypt depth in jejunum and ileum (P < 0.05). Dis-Pal linearly increased ileal mucosal glutathione and total antioxidant capacity levels, as well as total superoxide dismutase and catalase activities, with 10 g/kg Dis-Pal addition showing the best effects (P < 0.05). The 2.5-10 g/kg Dis-Pal decreased the interferon-γ and tumor necrosis factor-α levels in ileal mucosa compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Moreover, Dis-Pal supplementation linearly increased interleukin-10, secretory immunoglobulin A, and immunoglobulin M levels, and decreased the interferon-γ level, quadratically increased total superoxide dismutase and catalase activities in jejunal mucosa (P < 0.05).

Conclusion: : Dietary Dis-Pal supplementation could improve growth performance, intestinal health, and enhance the nutrients digestibility of young broilers. Supplementation with Dis-Pal was more advantageous for broilers than its Nat-Pal, and its optimal dosage was 5 g/kg.