Evaluation of a prebiotic on heat stress and intestinal integrity of broiler chickens.
To evaluate the effect of prebiotics on heat stress and intestinal integrity in Ross 308 broiler chickens, three treatments were assessed: T1) without prebiotic; T2) prebiotic in water and litter; and T3) prebiotic in litter. The experiment was conducted in the poultry section of the Semi-Controlled Environment Unit Laboratory at the Institute of Animal Production, Faculty of Agronomy, Central University of Venezuela. A total of 144 chickens were used in a completely randomized design with three treatments, six replicates, and eight chickens per experimental unit. Environmental monitoring included temperature, relative humidity, litter warmth, and drinking water temperature. Body temperature and hyperventilation levels were measured. Intestinal lesions in the duodenum, jejunum, ileum, cecum, and colon were evaluated. Histological sections were analyzed to determine lesions in the intestinal villi. The use of prebiotics resulted in lower body temperatures and has the potential to minimize the adverse effects of heat stress. Intestinal damage due to ecchymotic and petechial hemorrhages was more frequent and severe in the control treatment in the duodenal section of the intestine. Microscopically, the control treatment presented the highest number and severity of villous detachment and inflammation, as well as congestion, infiltration, and hemorrhage lesions. Prebiotics represent a valid alternative for managing chickens in geographical areas where heat stress limits their production.
| Main Authors: | , , , |
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| Format: | Digital revista |
| Language: | spa |
| Published: |
Universidad de Costa Rica
2024
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| Online Access: | https://revistas.ucr.ac.cr/index.php/nutrianimal/article/view/61712 |
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