Effects of encapsulated cardamom distillation waste extract and Lactobacillus plantarum on intestinal profile, protein digestibility, and growth of broiler

Abstract

This research assessed the impact of incorporating encapsulated cardamom distillation waste extract and Lactobacillus plantarum (ECDWE-Lp) on small intestine profile, ileal protein digestibility, and broiler chicken growth performance. The study used 200 unsexed day-old Ross 308 broiler chickens in a fully randomized design with four treatments and five repetitions, each comprising 10 birds. Treatments were T0: basal diet (BD), T1: BD+0.3% ECDWE-Lp, T2: BD+0.6% ECDWE-Lp, and T3: BD+0.9% ECDWE-Lp. Parameters assessed included broiler performance, small intestine profile consisting of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and coliform counts, intestinal pH, intestinal histomorphology (villus height (VH), crypt depth (CD), VH/CD ratio), relative intestinal segment length and weight, and ileal crude protein digestibility. Data analysis used variance analysis and Duncan's Multiple Range Test at 5% significance. Results showed ECDWE-Lp significantly affected (P<0.05) daily weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, LAB and coliform totals (jejunum and ileum), intestinal pH, VH and CD (jejunum and ileum), jejunal VH/CD ratio, intestinal segment measurements, and ileal crude protein digestibility. The treatment did not significantly impact (P>0.05) duodenal LAB and coliform counts, duodenal VH and CD, or VH/CD ratio in duodenum and ileum. Adding 0.6% ECDWE-Lp improved small intestinal profile, ileal crude protein digestibility, and broiler performance.