Comparison of performance and intestinal morphology of broilers using step-down supplementation with a mannan-rich fraction versus bacitracin methylene disalicylate

2013 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
Author(s):  
K.M. Brennan ◽  
M.A. Paul ◽  
R.S. Samuel ◽  
B. Lumpkins ◽  
J.L. Pierce ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Basal Diet ◽  
Intestinal Morphology ◽  
Growth Promoter ◽  
Broiler Performance ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Fraction Versus ◽  
Potential Alternative ◽  
Diet Control ◽  
Effect Of Treatment ◽  
Step Down

SummaryTwo experiments were conducted to compare effects of utilising step-down dosing of a mannan-rich fraction (MRF) of yeast cell wall or the antimicrobial growth promoter (AGP) bacitracin methylene disalicylate (BMD) when chicks were raised on built-up litter. Chicks were randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups (12 pen replicates; 50 birds per pen): basal diet (control) or basal diet plus MRF (Actigen™; Alltech Inc., Nicholasville, KY) or BMD (Alpharma Inc., Fort Lee, NJ). In experiment two, intestinal morphology and litter scores were determined on d 42. In experiment one, MRF and BMD increased BW gain at d 21 and d 42 compared with control (P ≤ 0.05) and d 42 BW was greater in BMD birds than controls (P ≤ 0.05). Adjusted FCRs were lower in MRF and BMD birds from d 0 to d 42 (P = 0.06). In experiment two, there was no effect of treatment on d 21 BW, but MRF and BMD improved adjusted FCR (P = 0.02) compared with control. By d 35, both MRF and BMD birds had greater BWs than controls (P = 0.04). At d 42, MRF-supplemented birds had greater BW than controls (P ≤ 0.05). D 35 and d 42 FCR improved with MRF or BMD compared with control (P ≤ 0.01). Litter conditions improved (P ≤ 0.05) when birds were fed diets with BMD and MRF compared with control-fed birds. Jejunal morphology, including villi height (P ≤ 0.05), villi height: crypt depth ratio (P ≤ 0.05), and goblet cell numbers (P ≤ 0.05) improved with MRF and BMD compared with control. Both MRF and BMD improved broiler performance, potentially related to the improvements observed in intestinal morphology. In conclusion, step-down supplementation with MRF may offer a potential alternative to AGP to improve performance in broilers raised in commercial settings.

scholarly journals Effects of Clostridium butyricum- and Bacillus spp.-Based Potential Probiotics on the Growth Performance, Intestinal Morphology, Immune Responses, and Caecal Microbiota in Broilers

Antibiotics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 624
Author(s):  
Xinfu Zeng ◽  
Qing Li ◽  
Caimei Yang ◽  
Yang Yu ◽  
Zixian Fu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Immune Responses ◽  
Growth Performance ◽  
Broiler Chickens ◽  
Basal Diet ◽  
Short Chain Fatty Acids ◽  
Clostridium Butyricum ◽  
Intestinal Morphology ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Body Weights ◽  
Bacillus Spp

We aimed to investigate the effects of Clostridium butyricum-, Bacillus subtilis-, and Bacillus licheniformis-based potential probiotics on the growth performance, intestinal morphology, immune responses, and caecal short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and microbial structure in broiler chickens. Three treatment groups containing a total of 1200 one-day-old AA broilers were included: birds fed with a basal diet only (Con), birds fed with added 1010 probiotics cfu/kg (ProL), and birds fed with added 1011 probiotics cfu/kg (ProH). The dietary probiotics significantly improved the final and average body weights and serum immunoglobulins A, M, and Y. The probiotics also enhanced the ileal morphology and improved the caecal acetate, butyrate, and propionate contents. Furthermore, 16S rRNA sequencing revealed that dietary compound probiotics modulated the caecal microflora composition as follows: (1) all birds shared 2794 observed taxonomic units; (2) treatment groups were well separated in the PCA and PCoA analysis; (3) the relative abundance of Parabacteroides, Ruminococcaceae_UCG-014, Barnesiella, Odoribacter, [Eubacterium_coprostanoligenes_group], [Ruminococcus]_torques_group, and Butyricimonas significantly varied between treatments. The compound probiotics improved the growth performance, serum immune responses, the ratio of ileal villus height to crypt depth, and major caecal SCFAs in broiler chickens. The dietary C. butyricum-, B. subtilis-, and B. licheniformis-based probiotics improved overall broiler health and would benefit the poultry industry.

scholarly journals Effects of Feeding Different Postbiotics Produced by Lactobacillus plantarum on Growth Performance, Carcass Yield, Intestinal Morphology, Gut Microbiota Composition, Immune Status, and Growth Gene Expression in Broilers under Heat Stress

Animals ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (9) ◽  
pp. 644 ◽  
Author(s):  
Humam ◽  
Loh ◽  
Foo ◽  
Samsudin ◽  
Mustapha ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Ascorbic Acid ◽  
Heat Stress ◽  
Gut Microbiota ◽  
Immune Status ◽  
Basal Diet ◽  
Intestinal Morphology ◽  
The Other ◽  
Mrna Expression Level ◽  
Treatment Groups

The effects of feeding different postbiotics on growth performance, carcass yield, intestinal morphology, gut microbiota, immune status, and growth hormone receptor (GHR) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) gene expression in broilers under heat stress were assessed in this study. A total of 252 one-day-old male broiler chicks (Cobb 500) were randomly assigned in cages in identical environmentally controlled chambers. During the starter period from 1 to 21 days, all the birds were fed the same basal diet. On day 22, the birds were weighed and randomly divided into six treatment groups and exposed to cyclic high temperature at 36 ± 1 °C for 3 h per day from 11:00 to 14:00 until the end of the experiment. From day 22 to 42 (finisher period), an equal number of birds were subjected to one of the following diets: NC (negative control) basal diet; PC (positive control) basal diet + 0.02% oxytetracycline; or AA (ascorbic acid) basal diet + 0.02% ascorbic acid. The other three groups (RI11, RS5 and UL4) were basal diet + 0.3% different postbiotics (produced from different Lactobacillus plantarum strains, and defined as RI11, RS5 and UL4, respectively). The results demonstrated that birds fed RI11 diets had significantly higher final body weight, total weight gain and average daily gain than the birds that received the NC, PC and AA treatments. The feed conversion ratio was significantly higher in the RI11 group compared with the other groups. Carcass parameters were not affected by the postbiotic-supplemented diet. Postbiotic supplementation improved villi height significantly in the duodenum, jejunum and ileum compared to the NC, PC and AA treatments. The crypt depth of the duodenum and ileum was significantly higher in NC group compared to other treatment groups except RI11 in duodenum, and UL4 in ileum was not different with NC groups. The villus height to crypt depth ratio of duodenum and ileum was significantly higher for the postbiotic treatment groups and AA than the PC and NC treatment groups. The postbiotic RI11 group recorded significantly higher caecum total bacteria and Lactobacillus count and lower Salmonella count compared to the NC and PC treatment groups. The Bifidobacterium population in the NC group was significantly lower compared to the other treatment groups. The postbiotic (RI11, RS5 and UL4) and AA treatment groups showed lower Enterobacteriaceae and E. coli counts and caecal pH than the NC and PC treatment groups. The plasma immunoglobulin M (IgM) level was significantly higher in the birds receiving postbiotic RI11 than those receiving other treatments. The plasma immunoglobulin G (IgG) level was higher in the RI11 treatment group than in the NC, AA and RS5 groups. The plasma immunoglobulin A (IgA) level was not affected by postbiotic supplements. The hepatic GHR mRNA expression level was significantly increased in birds fed postbiotics RI11, RS5 and UL4, AA and PC compared to the NC-fed birds. Postbiotic RI11 led to significantly higher hepatic IGF-1 mRNA expression level compared to the NC, PC, and AA treatments. Mortality was numerically lesser in the postbiotic treatment groups, but not significantly different among all the treatments. In conclusion, among the postbiotics applied in the current study as compared with NC, PC and AA, RI11 could be used as a potential alternative antibiotic growth promoter and anti-stress treatment in the poultry industry.

scholarly journals Alternatives to antibiotics in diets of weaned piglets

2017 ◽  
Vol 47 (12) ◽  
Author(s):  
Soraia Viana Ferreira ◽  
Lívia Maria dos Reis Barbosa ◽  
Marcos Henrique Soares ◽  
Camila Schultz Marcolla ◽  
Débora Muratori Holanda ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Organic Acids ◽  
Basal Diet ◽  
Negative Control ◽  
Intestinal Morphology ◽  
Daily Weight Gain ◽  
Experimental Unit ◽  
Average Weight ◽  
Growth Promoter ◽  
Feed Conversion ◽  
Randomized Design

ABSTRACT: This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of growth promoter additives an alternative to antibiotics on performance, intestinal morphology and on microbiota of 21-to-35-day-old piglets. A total of 160 commercial crossbred piglets (males and females) with initial weight of 6.10±0.709kg were allotted in a completely randomized design with five treatments: Basal diet - Negative Control (NC); Basal diet + antibiotic (PC); Basal diet + mannanoligosaccharides (MOS); Basal diet + organic acids (OA), Basal diet + mannanoligosacharides + organic acids (MOS+OA), eight replicates and four piglets per experimental unit. The inclusion of additives in the diets had no effect (P>0.05) on the final average weight of piglets. Similarly, no effects (P<0.05) were observed on average daily feed intake and on average daily weight gain. The feed conversion improved (P<0.01) with the inclusion of additives in the diets compared to piglets fed with the NC. There was no effect (P>0.05) of the dietary additives on intestinal morphology and microbiota composition (enterobacteria and lactobacilli). Use of antibiotics, prebiotics, organic acids or prebiotics associated with organic acids in the diet improves feed conversion of piglets from 21 to 35 days of age. The additives have no major effects on piglets’ intestinal morphology and microbiota.

scholarly journals Performance, intestinal histomorphology and bone composition of broiler chickens fed diets supplemented with genistein

2020 ◽  
Vol 50 (2) ◽  
pp. 241-252
Author(s):  
M. Glisic ◽  
M. Boskovic ◽  
M. Z. Baltic ◽  
D. Sefer ◽  
A. Radovanovic ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Broiler Chickens ◽  
Basal Diet ◽  
Intestinal Morphology ◽  
Feed Conversion ◽  
Broiler Performance ◽  
Supplementation Period ◽  
Wet Weight ◽  
Small Intestinal ◽  
Positive Effect ◽  
Lactobacillus Spp

The effect of dietary genistein on performance, intestinal morphology, caecal Lactobacillus spp. count, and tibia composition in broiler chickens after 21 and 37 days of feeding was investigated. A total of 360 Cobb 500 broiler chickens (21 days old) were randomly allocated to five treatments with six replicates of 12 birds each. They were fed a basal diet (C) or a basal diet supplemented with 200 (T1), 400 (T2), 600 (T3) and 800 (T4) mg genistein/kg of feed. Genistein supplementation did not affect feed intake, but improved bodyweight, weight gain and feed conversion ratio (FCR) after 21 days, while 600 mg/kg led to a significant increase in FCR after 37 days of feeding. Plasma triglyceride level decreased with dietary genistein after 21 days, while increases were found in T3 and T4 groups after prolonged supplementation. Significantly improved duodenal and jejunal villus length and width, crypt depth and villus/crypt ratio were observed after the first and the second finishing periods, respectively, while adverse effects were found in the ileum for both periods. At 42 days old, greater spleen and heart weights were measured in broilers fed diets with 800 mg/kg than in other broiler groups. The shorter genistein supplementation period (21 days) of 200 and 400 mg/kg had a positive effect on tibia wet weight, ash and calcium (Ca) content, while 37 days of the higher genistein doses administered to the T2, T3 and T4 birds significantly increased caecal lactic acid bacteria (LAB) counts. Thus, recommended doses should not exceed 400 mg/kg. Keywords: broiler performance, blood triglyceride, Lactobacillus, prolonged fattening, small intestinal morphology

scholarly journals Retention of cadmium in the tissues of broiler chicks by dietary supplemental microbial phytase

2012 ◽  
Vol 48 (No. 7) ◽  
pp. 199-205 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. Bilal ◽  
E. Erçag
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Vitamin C ◽  
Body Weight Gain ◽  
Cadmium Concentration ◽  
Basal Diet ◽  
Broiler Chicks ◽  
Broiler Performance ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Microbial Phytase ◽  
Calcium Phosphorus

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of Ca : total(t) P ratio, vitamin C and microbial phytase on broiler performance and cadmium retention of broiler. In experiment, 288 day-old male broiler chicks (Cobb) were randomly assigned to 12 treatment groups, 3 replicates of 8 chicks each. The study was carried out for 42 days. The basal diet supplemented calcium, phosphorus, cadmium (0.5 and 5 mg/kg), zinc (20 mg/kg), vitamin C (0 and 1 g/kg) and microbial phytase (0 and 600 PU/kg feed). Differences among diets fed to individual experimental groups affect either body weight gain or feed intake and conversion after the 3 weeks and at the end of the experiment (p &lt; 0.05). Cadmium and microbial phytase supplement to diet caused a significant increase of cadmium concentration in the tissues examined. There were significant differences in tissues concentrations of cadmium (p &lt; 0.05) among the groups fed diets supplemented. In conclusion, addition of 600 PU feed of phytase per kg of diet compensates this effect and lowers the cadmium burden by up to 60%.

Effects of prebiotics on intestinal histo-morphometry and gut microflora status of broiler chickens

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Biswas ◽  
R. Messam ◽  
M. Kumawat ◽  
M. Namit ◽  
A.B. Mandal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Broiler Chickens ◽  
Dietary Treatment ◽  
Basal Diet ◽  
Feed Additive ◽  
Broiler Chicks ◽  
Growth Promoter ◽  
Gut Health ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Dietary Treatments ◽  
Soybean Diet

A feeding trial was conducted to assess the effect of prebiotics on intestinal histo-morphometry and gut health status of broiler chickens. A total number of 240 day-old broiler chicks were randomly assigned to six dietary treatment groups having five replicates each with eight birds per replicate for six weeks. A basal corn-soybean diet was formulated that served as control (T1). The rest five test dietary treatments were prepared by adding antibiotic (bacitracin methylene di-salicylate-BMD at 0.002% of diet (T2), prebiotics i.e., mannan oligosaccharides (MOS) at 0.1% or 0.2% (T3 and T4) and fructo oligosaccharides (FOS) at 0.1% or 0.2% (T5, T6 respectively) with basal diet. Total anaerobes counts were significantly (P LESS THAN 0.05) reduced at 21 and 42 d at ileum in T2, T3 and T4 groups whereas, coliforms count were reduced (P LESS THAN 0.05) in T2 and T3 groups. However, lactic acid bacteria (LAB) count were significantly (P Less than 0.05) increased in T3 and T4 groups but lactobacillus count were increased (P less than 0.05) in only T3 group at 21 and 42 d in ileum. Villus height (VH) and width (VW) were significantly increased (P less than 0.05) at 21d and 42 d in T3 and T4 groups, whereas, at 21 d, crypt depth (CD) were increased (P less than 0.05) in T3 and T4 groups but at 42 d, CD were significantly improved in T3 and T4 or T5 and T6 groups. No significant (P>0.05) differences were observed in ratio between VH and CD at 21d or 42 d. Thus, it might he concluded that 0.1% or 0.2% MOS inclusion in basal diet improved intestinal histo-morphometry and gut health in broiler chickens and it is a better alternate feed additive to replacement of antibiotic growth promoter.

scholarly journals Supplementation of chicory root powder as an alternative to antibiotic growth promoter on gut pH, gut microflora and gut histomorphometery of male broilers

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (12) ◽  
pp. e0260923
Author(s):  
Srinivas Gurram ◽  
Chinni Preetam. V. ◽  
Vijaya Lakshmi. K. ◽  
Raju. M. V. L. N. ◽  
Venkateshwarlu. M. ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Broiler Chicken ◽  
Body Weight Gain ◽  
Basal Diet ◽  
Cell Number ◽  
Broiler Chicks ◽  
Growth Promoter ◽  
Feed Conversion ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Chicory Root ◽  
Antibiotic Control

The experiment was conducted to study the effect of chicory root powder on the gut performance of broilers. For this purpose, two hundred commercial male broiler chicks were randomly divided into 5 treatment groups with 8 replications of 5 birds each and reared in battery brooders up to 42 days of age. The experimental design consisted of; T1 basal diet (BD) without antibiotic, T2: BD + antibiotic (BMD at 500 gm/ton), T3: BD + chicory root powder (0.5%), T4: BD + chicory root powder (1.0%), T5: BD + chicory root powder (1.5%). The results revealed that supplementation of 1.0% chicory root powder recorded significantly (P<0.05) higher body weight gain, feed intake and better feed conversion ratio (FCR) compared to antibiotic, control and 0.5 & 1.5% chicory powder at 42 days of age. Supplementation of various levels of chicory root powder significantly (P<0.05) lowered (P<0.05) the pH in duodenum, jejunum, ileum and caecum compared to control. Supplementation of chicory root powder (0.5, 1.0 & 1.5%) significantly (P<0.05) decreased the E. coli and Salmonella counts and (P<0.05) increased the Lactobacilli counts in ileum when compared to control and antibiotic groups. Supplementation of chicory (1.0% and 1.5%) groups significantly (P<0.05) increased the villus height (VH), crypt depth (CD), VH:CD ratio and villus width (VW) in the duodenum, ileum and jejunum at 42 d of age. Supplementation of chicory 1.0% and 1.5% groups significantly (P<0.05) increased the goblet cell number in duodenum, jejunum and ileum of broilers. Therefore, chicory root powder (1.0 and 1.5%) can be used as an alternative to antibiotic for improving gut performance of broiler chicken.

scholarly journals Combined use of dietary probiotic and acidifier for the production of antibiotic free broiler

2016 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 127-137
Author(s):  
Abdullah Al Masud ◽  
Md Shawkat Ali ◽  
Muslah Uddin Ahammad
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight Gain ◽  
Control Diet ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Basal Diet ◽  
Growth Promoter ◽  
Feed Conversion ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Combined Use ◽  
Net Profit ◽  
Commercial Broiler

The effect of feeding probiotic (Bio-Top; Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus licheniformis), acidifier (Sal-Stop), antibiotic growth promoter (AGP) or probiotic plus acidifier was investigated in commercial broiler. A total of four hundred Cobb 500 day-old straight run chicks were randomly distributed to 5 different dietary groups having 4 replications each. The number of birds in each replication was 20. The five dietary groups were as control (basal diet; BD), BD containing AGP at a level of 20g/100kg, BD containing probiotic at a level of 200g/100kg, BD containing acidifier at a level of 200g/100kg; and BD containing an equal amount of probiotic plus acidifier (200g/100kg). Broilers that received either probiotic, acidifier or a mixture of probiotic and acidifier (1:1) exhibited higher body weight gain, lower feed conversion ratio (FCR) and higher costeffectiveness compared with the broilers fed on control diet (P<0.05). However, feeding of diet containing both probiotic and acidifier resulted in the highest growth rate and net profit in all dietary regimens. Broilers fed on probiotic and acidifier in a mixture had FCR similar to other treatment groups. This study indicated that the diet containing probiotic-acidifier mixture seems to be more cost-effective in promoting growth performance of broilers, as an alternative to the AGP, as compared to the use of probiotic or acidifier alone in the dietRes. Agric., Livest. Fish.3(1): 127-137, April 2016

scholarly journals Effect of Selenium Sources on Laying Performance, Egg Quality Characteristics, Intestinal Morphology, Microbial Population and Digesta Volatile Fatty Acids in Laying Hens

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 1681
Author(s):  
Aliyu Ibrahim Muhammad ◽  
Dalia Alla Mohamed ◽  
Loh Teck Chwen ◽  
Henny Akit ◽  
Anjas Asmara Samsudin
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acids ◽  
Volatile Fatty Acids ◽  
Laying Hens ◽  
Egg Quality ◽  
Basal Diet ◽  
Egg Yolk ◽  
Quality Characteristics ◽  
Intestinal Morphology ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Laying Performance

The use of toxic and less bioavailable inorganic selenium can now be supplemented with an alternative organic source from bacterial species in nutrition for human and animal benefit. This study investigated the effects of selenium sources on laying performance, egg quality characteristics, intestinal morphology, caecum microbial population, and digesta volatile fatty acids in laying hens. One hundred and forty-four Lohman Brown Classic laying hens, at 23 weeks of age, were divided into four experimental groups (36 hens in each), differing in form of Se supplementation: no Se supplementation (Con), 0.3 mg/kg of inorganic Se in the form of sodium selenite (Na2SeO3), 0.3 mg/kg of organic Se from selenium yeast (Se-Yeast), and 0.3 mg/kg of organic Se from Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (bacterial organic Se, ADS18). The results showed that different dietary Se sources significantly affected laying rate, average egg weight, daily egg mass, feed conversion ratio (FCR), and live bodyweight (LBW) (p < 0.05). However, average daily feed intake and shell-less and broken eggs were unaffected (p > 0.05) among the treatment groups. The findings revealed that selenium sources had no (p > 0.05) effect on egg quality (external and internal) parameters. However, eggshell breaking strength and Haugh unit were significantly (p < 0.05) improved with organic (ADS18 or Se-yeast) Se-fed hens compared to the control group. In addition, egg yolk and breast tissue Se concentrations were higher (p < 0.05) in the dietary Se supplemented group compared to the control. Intestinal histomorphology revealed that hens fed ADS18 or Se-Yeast groups had significantly (p < 0.05) higher villi height in the duodenum and jejunum compared to those fed Na2SeO3 or a basal diet. However, when compared to organic Se fed (ADS18 or Se-Yeast) hens, the ileum villus height was higher (p < 0.05) in the basal diet group; with the lowest in the SS among the treatment groups. A significant increase (p < 0.05) of Lactobacilli spp. and Bifidobacteria spp., and a decrease of Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. population were observed in the organic (ADS18 or Se-yeast) compared to inorganic supplemented and control hens. The individual digesta volatile fatty acid (VFA) was significantly different, but with no total VFA differences. Thus, bacterial selenoprotein or Se-yeast improved the performance index, egg quality characteristics, egg yolk and tissue Se contents, and intestinal villus height in laying hens. Moreover, caecum beneficial microbes increased with a decrease in the harmful microbe population and affected individual cecal volatile fatty acids without affecting the total VFA of the laying hens digesta.

scholarly journals Effects of Zinc Lactate Supplementation on Growth Performance, Intestinal Morphology, Serum Parameters, and Hepatic Metallothionein of Chinese Yellow-Feathered Broilers

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lina Long ◽  
Xichen Zhao ◽  
Haojie Li ◽  
Xia Yan ◽  
Huihua Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Growth Performance ◽  
Basal Diet ◽  
Intestinal Morphology ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Zinc Compounds ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Organic Zinc ◽  
Organ Index ◽  
Hepatic Metallothionein ◽  
Lower Ratio

AbstractIn poultry, organic zinc compounds have higher bioavailability than inorganic zinc sources. However, as an organic zinc source, the application of zinc lactate (ZL) on Chinese yellow-feathered broilers has been rarely reported. Hence, the present study aimed to investigate the effects of ZL supplementation on growth performance, small intestinal morphology, serum biochemical parameters, immune organ index, as well as hepatic metallothionein of Chinese yellow-feathered broilers. A total of 2100 broilers (19 days old) were randomly assigned to 5 treatment groups, including the control (fed basal diet), ZL40 (basal diet plus 40 mg/kg ZL), ZL60 (basal diet plus 60 mg/kg ZL), ZL80 (basal diet plus 80 mg/kg ZL), and ZS80 (basal diet plus 80 mg/kg ZS. Each treatment group had 6 replicates with 70 chickens per replicate. Compared to the control group, the ZL40 and the ZS80 groups had a lower feed to gain ratio (P < 0.05), ZL40 group had higher duodenum and ileum villus heights (P < 0.05), and ZS80 and ZL80 groups had a lower ratio of villus height to crypt depth in the jejunum (P < 0.01). In addition, the ZL60 group had a higher concentration of total protein (P < 0.05) and activity of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) (P < 0.01) compared with the ZS80 and the control groups. Interestingly, the ZL40, ZL60, and ZL80 groups all had higher levels of hepatic metallothionein than the other groups (P < 0.01). In conclusion, zinc lactate had a higher bioavailability and could be used as an alternative to zinc sulfate.

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