Effects of encapsulated cinnamaldehyde and citral on the performance and cecal microbiota of broilers vaccinated or not vaccinated against coccidiosis

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of encapsulated cinnamaldehyde ( CIN ) and citral ( CIT ) alone or in combination ( CIN + CIT ) on the growth performance and cecal microbiota of nonvaccinated broilers and broilers vaccinated against coccidiosis. Vaccinated (1,600) and nonvaccinated (1,600) 0-day-old male Cobb500 broilers were randomly allocated to 5 treatments: basal diet (control) and basal diet supplemented with bacitracin ( BAC , 55 ppm), CIN (100 ppm), CIT (100 ppm), and CIN (100 ppm) + CIT (100 ppm). In general, body weight ( BW ) and feed conversion ratio were significantly improved in birds treated with BAC, CIN, CIT, and CIN + CIT ( P < 0.05) but were all decreased in vaccinated birds compared with nonvaccinated birds ( P < 0.05). Significant interactions ( P < 0.05) between vaccination and treatments for average daily gain during the periods of starter (day 0–9) and BW on day 10 were noted. Broilers receiving vaccines ( P < 0.01) or feed supplemented with BAC, CIN, CIT, or CIN + CIT ( P < 0.01) showed reductions in mortality rate from day 0 to 28. The incidences of minor coccidiosis were higher ( P < 0.05) in vaccinated birds than in nonvaccinated birds. Diet supplementation with BAC or tested encapsulated essential oils showed comparable effects on the coccidiosis incidences. Similar to BAC, CIN and its combination with CIT reduced both incidence and severity of necrotic enteritis ( P < 0.05). No treatment effects were observed on the cecal microbiota at the phyla level. At the genus level, significant differences between vaccination and treatment groups were observed for 5 ( Lactobacillus , Ruminococcus , Faecalibacterium , Enterococcus , and Clostridium ) of 40 detected genera ( P < 0.05). The genus Lactobacillus was more abundant in broilers fed with CIT, while Clostridium and Enterococcus were less abundant in broilers fed with CIN, CIT, or CIN + CIT in both the vaccinated and nonvaccinated groups. Results from this study suggested that CIN alone or in combination with CIT in feed could improve chicken growth performance to the level comparable with BAC and alter cecal microbiota composition.

Terpenoids, Cannabimimetic Ligands, beyond the Cannabis Plant

“…[246], and Streptococcus pyogenes [247]. In this context, Yang and colleagues recently demonstrated that when combined with cinnamaldehyde, citral changed cecal microbiota composition of non-vaccinated and vaccinated broiler chickens, reducing the incidence and severity of necrotic enteritis induced by coccidiosis [239]. This is in accordance with another finding, in which citral was able to affect mouse intestinal microbiota, enhancing the relative abundance of Lactobacillus [108].…”

“…Citral, (2E)-3,7-dimethylocta-2,6-dienal, is the main compound of essential oils that have been used mainly in popular medicine in eastern countries. It is the major compound extracted from Cymbopogon citratus, popularly known as lemongrass, but it can also be extracted from different plants including lemon myrtle and Lindera citriodora [239]. This essential oil has been used as ingredient in foods because of its lemon-like fragrance.…”

Gut Microbiota, Blood Metabolites, and Spleen Immunity in Broiler Chickens Fed Berry Pomaces and Phenolic-Enriched Extractives

“…Birds were managed according to the Cobb recommendations (Cobb Breeder Management Guide and Vantress.com). The composition of the starter (days 0–10), grower (days 10–20), and finisher (days 20–30) diets included corn as the principal cereal, and soya and soybean cake as protein concentrates to meet the nutrient requirements for broiler Cobb-500 ( 20 , 21 ).…”

“…Chicks were weighed at the start of the trial (day 0) and every week thereafter. Performance parameters including BW, feed intake (FI), and FE were measured at days 10 (phase 1), 20 (phase 2), and 30 (phase 3) from each pen ( 20 ). Birds were inspected at least twice daily.…”

“…The results of cecal microbial enumerations were log transformed before statistical analysis. Necropsy and scoring of intestinal lesions due to coccidiosis ( Eimeria acervulina, Eimeria maxima , and Eimeria tenella) and NE due to C. perfringens were performed on all sacrificed birds by Services Vétérinaires Ambulatoires Triple-V Inc. Intestines were longitudinally opened to score mucosa for NE lesions for each of the upper and lower gut (including ceca) as well as for coccidiosis as previously described ( 20 ). Birds were also monitored for yolk sac infection (omphalitis), trachea integrity, pododermatitis, gizzard ulceration, intestinal tonus, airsacculitis, metatarsal, femoral head necrosis, and bursal size.…”