EFFECT OF DIFFERENT LEVELS OF CLOVE ESSENTIAL OIL ON THE GROWTH PERFORMANCE, LIPID METABOLISM, IMMUNITY, AND INTESTINAL MICROBIAL STRUCTURE OF BROILER CHICKENS

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of different levels of clove essential oil (CEO) on the growth performance, cecal microbial status, and serum metabolites of broilers using it as an alternative to antibiotic growth promoters. Two hundred and fifty, one-day-old chicks of the Ross 308 strain were randomly divided into five groups, each having 50 chicks. The experimental groups were as follows: G1, a basal diet with no additive; G2, a basal diet supplemented with 20 mg/kg avilamycin; G3, G4, and G5 were supplemented with 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg clove essential oil, respectively. Results showed a linear relationship between the concentration of the CEO in the diet and growth performance. Body weight gain and feed conversion ratio were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in G3 and G4 compared to other groups, while feed intake was not affected. Carcass traits showed no noticeable differences, however, the intestine and bursa weight significantly (P < 0.05) increased in G4 and G3. CEO supplementation significantly increased (P < 0.05) serum immunoglobulin (IgA) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL), meanwhile, it significantly decreased low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and total cholesterol. Furthermore, CEO supplementation substantially improved the cecal microbial status of the ileum in G4, G3, and G2 by increasing Lactobacillus spp. count and decreased (P < 0.05) E. coli count. Based on the findings mentioned above, it can be concluded that supplementation of clove essential oil can improve the growth performance and enhance immunity and gut health of broilers and might be supplied as a potential alternative to antibiotics.