A comparison of the effects of resistant starch, fructooligosaccharide, and zinc bacitracin on cecal short-chain fatty acids, cecal microflora, intestinal morphology, and antibody titer against Newcastle disease virus in broilers

摘要

This study was conducted to examine effects of resistant starch (RS), compared to fructooligosaccharide (FOS) and zinc bacitracin (ZnB), on cecal short-chain fatty acids, cecal microflora intestinal morphology, and antibody titer against Newcastle disease virus in broilers. The experiment groups included the control group (basal diet with no additive; CON), four groups receiving different levels of RS type 2 (1, 2, 3, and 4% in basal diet; RS), a FOS group (0.4% of basal diet), and a ZnB group (50 mg/kg of basal diet). On day 35, the highest concentration of acetic, propionic, and butyric was found in the 4% RS, showing a significant difference from the CON as well as the FOS and the ZnB (P < 0.05). The greatest lactobacillus count was found the FOS (P < 0.05), and of the groups that received RS, the 4% RS had the greatest lactobacillus count. The smallest coliform count was found in the 3% and 4% RS groups (P< 0.05). In the duodenum and the jejunum, the largest villus height (VH) and the smallest crypt depth (CD) were found in the ZnB. Among the groups treated with RS, the 3% RS had the greatest VH and the smallest CD. The group that received FOS showed the greatest antibody titer on day 23, and of the groups treated with RS, the 4% RS had the greatest antibody titer showing a significant difference from the CON. The findings suggest that adding 3 and 4% RS or FOS to broiler's feed may improve intestinal health.