Natural resin acid –enriched composition as a modulator of intestinal microbiota and performance enhancer in broiler chicken

Abstract

SummaryResin acids extracted from coniferous trees are known for their antimicrobial and antifungal effects. This trial investigated the effect of a natural resin acid-enriched composition (RAC) on the gastrointestinal microbiota and productive performance of broiler chicken. The results demonstrated that at or above 5 mg/l, RAC prevented the growth of a pure culture ofClostridium perfringens, a causative agent of necrotic enteritis in poultry. Next, the effects of RAC on the microbial community were studied in a fermentation model with both the microbial inoculum and substrate for the microbes isolated from the ileum of broiler chickens. RAC was included at 0, 0.1 and 1 g/kg digesta, and supplementation decreased the relative proportion of lactic acid and increased that of acetic acid produced during the fermentation in a dose-dependent manner. At 1 g/kg inclusion, RAC decreased the density of lactobacilli. The final part of the experiment investigated the influence of RAC on the performance and intestinal microbiota of necrotic enteritis (NE)-challenged broiler chickens. A wheat and soy -based diet was supplemented with RAC at 0, 0.5, 1 and 3 g/kg. The chickens were challenged withEimeria maximaoocysts on day 11, and a pure culture ofC. perfringenson day 14. On day 17, the final day of the trial, RAC inclusion at 1 and 3 g/kg of feed significantly increased body weight. At 3 g/kg RAC numerically decreased the daily mortality seen during the challenge period. In the ileum, RAC at 1 g/kg reduced the NE-associated peak of microbial lactic acid production. Overall, the data suggested that the dietary ingredient RAC has the potential to act as a performance-enhancer and microbial modulator in broiler chickens.