Intestinal Histomorphology Changes and Serum Biochemistry Responses of Broiler Chickens Fed Herbal Plant (<i>Euphorbia hirta</i>) and Mix of Acidifier

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of dietary <em>Euphorbia hirta</em> and an acidifier mixture supplementation on gut morphology and some blood parameters of broiler chickens.A total of 240 day old male broiler chicks were randomly assigned to one ofthe four dietary treatment groups including: (1) basal diet (control), (2) basal diet + 7.5 g/kg <em>E. hirta </em>(<em>Eh</em>7.5), (3) basal diet + 1.5 g/kg acidifier (OA) and (4) basal diet + 7.5 g/kg <em>E. hirta </em>and1.5 g/kg acidifier (<em>Eh</em>OA). The <em>Eh </em>7.5, OA and <em>Eh</em>OA supplementation significantly improved overall feed conversion ratio compared to the control group. The addition of<em>Eh </em>7.5, OA and their combination increased the villus height compare to the control birds. Crypt depth was markedly decreased by OA treatment. The highest ratio of villi to crypt was observed in OA fed broilers. Blood serum biochemical parameters did not influenced by the dietary treatments. In conclusion, the results indicated thataddition of <em>Eh </em>7.5 and OA to the broiler diet enhanced maintenance and function of the small intestine and broiler performance.