Synergistic blend of natural essential oils improved growth performance and gut barrier integrity in broilers by alleviating intestinal inflammation.

Abstract

This study evaluated the effects of a synergistic blend of natural plant extracts based on oregano, clove, and cinnamon (Fytera Perform) on growth performance, intestinal health, immune status, carcass traits, and meat quality in broiler chickens. A total of 840 Ross 308 broilers (44.47 &#xb1; 0.41 g) were randomly assigned to two dietary treatments: a control group (CON) fed a basal corn-soy, antibiotic-free diet, and a treatment group supplemented with Fytera Perform at 25 g/ton (FP). Enteric inflammation was induced in all birds from days 22 to 28 by administering 2.5 % Dextran sodium sulfate via drinking water. Performance parameters were recorded throughout the study, while intestinal health parameters were measured on day 28 using two birds per replicate. Meat quality was assessed on day 28, and carcass traits were evaluated on day 42. Over the entire production period, broilers receiving FP supplementation demonstrated a 4.6 % increase in average daily gain and a 4.4 % reduction in feed conversion ratio (P < 0.05). On day 42, FP-supplemented birds exhibited a significantly greater body weight, weighing 112 g more than those in the CON group (P = 0.003). Intestinal health was enhanced in the FP group, with lower fecal calprotectin levels, increased ileal villous height, and an elevated villous-to-crypt ratio (P < 0.05). Additionally, FP supplementation upregulated gene expression of mucin 2 and tight junction protein zona occludens-1, while downregulating pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1&#x3b2; and IL-8 (P < 0.05). Meat quality parameters were also improved in the FP-supplemented group, with significantly lower drip loss at 5 days and 7 days of storage (P < 0.05). Moreover, the dressing percentage tended to be higher in the FP group compared to CON on day 42 (P = 0.07). These findings demonstrate that supplementation with a synergistic blend of plant extracts derived from oregano, clove, and cinnamon improves intestinal morphology, enhances gut barrier function, and reduces inflammatory responses, thereby promoting nutrient absorption, growth performance, meat quality, and overall health in broiler chickens.