Volume: 1, 2022
1st International PhD Student’s Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland: ENVIRONMENT – PLANT – ANIMAL – PRODUCT
Abstract number: A004
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL1.A004
Published online: 26 April 2022
ICDSUPL, 1, A004 (2022)
Effect of the multi-strain probiotic formulation Bokashi and clinoptilolite on gut barrier function, intestinal health, and performance of broiler chickens infected with Eimeria tenella
Artur Ciszewski1*, Łukasz Jarosz1, Zbigniew Grądzki1, Marcin Kalinowski1
1 Department of Epizootiology and Clinic of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Głęboka 30, 20-612 Lublin, Poland
* Corresponding author: artur.ciszewski@up.lublin.pl
Abstract
Coccidiosis caused by Eimeria tenella infection is one of the most important health and economic problems in intensive poultry production. The protozoa damage tight junctions within the intestinal barrier, which regulates mucosal permeability and the integrity of the intestinal epithelium. Modern feeding strategies can prevent the negative effects of E. tenella infection in broilers by stimulating intestinal epithelial cells, modulating the composition of the gut microbiota, and stimulating the GALT system. One means of achieving these aims is the use of feed supplements containing probiotics and aluminosilicates. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of a diet supplemented with effective microorganisms (EM) and clinoptilolite on mRNA expression of OCLDN, CLDN1, CLDN2, ZO1, ZO2, JAM2 and MUC2 in the caecal tissue of chickens infected with E. tenella. The effect of the feed supplement on performance and health parameters, as indicators of production efficiency, was also assessed during the experiment. The study was carried out using 480 one-day old Ross 308 chicks. The birds were divided into 6 groups differing in feeding regime and the use of a feed supplement. In 3 groups, the birds were experimentally infected with E. tenella. Throughout the experiment the birds were under clinical observation, and their performance and health parameters were evaluated. Expression of selected genes was determined by qRT-PCR as described by Lammers et al. (2010). The number of oocysts of E. tenella in the faeces and in the caecum was determined according to Hodgson (1970). The use of Bokashi® and clinoptilolite in the diet of chickens infected with E. tenella resulted in higher body weight gains and FI and FCR values. The group of infected birds receiving the feed additive showed higher mRNA expression of MUC2, ZO1 and ZO2 and low mRNA expression of OCLDN, CLDN1, CLDN2 and JAM2. The number of oocysts in the caecum and faeces was also significantly lower in that group. The results indicate that feeding chickens infected with E. tenella a diet supplemented with Bokashi® and clinoptilolite leads to modulation of the antiparasitic response, stimulates mechanisms responsible for the regeneration of caecal epithelial cells, and restores the physiological function of the intestinal barrier, maintaining homeostasis within the intestinal wall.
How to cite
A. Ciszewski, Ł. Jarosz, Z. Grądzki, M. Kalinowski, 2022. Effect of the multi-strain probiotic formulation Bokashi and clinoptilolite on gut barrier function, intestinal health, and performance of broiler chickens infected with Eimeria tenella. In: 1st International PhD Student’s Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland: Environment – Plant – Animal – Product. https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL1/A004