Vol. 12, Special Issue 8 (2023)

Author(s):
Dr. P Radhika, Dr. V Chinni Preetam, Dr. K Vijaya Lakshmi, Dr. D Nagalakshmi and Dr. MVLN Raju

Abstract:
This study was aimed to determine the effect of phytogenic feed additives i.e., licorice root powder (LP), asparagus root powder (AP) and lemongrass oil (LGO) on the intestinal histomorphometry of broiler chickens. 300-day-old commercial male broilers (Vencobb 400) were randomly assigned to six treatments and housed for 42 days. Diets included T1, as control, T2 – 0.05% antibiotic (AB), T3 – 0.1% LP + 0.2% AP, T4 -0.1% LP + 0.025% LGO, T5 – 0.2% AP + 0.025% LGO and T6 – 0.1% LP + 0.2% AP + 0.025% LGO. Results revealed that significantly (p<0.05) higher duodenal villus height (VH) was noticed in LP+AP, villus width (VW) was higher in LP+AP and AP+LGO and VH/CD ratio with LP+AP and LP+LGO. Significantly (p<0.05) higher Jejunal VH was noticed with antibiotic, LP+AP and LP+AP+LGO and VW was higher with all PFA combinations, whereas, VH/CD ratio was higher with LP+AP and LP+AP+LGO groups compared to control groups. All dietary combinations showed significantly (p<0.05) higher ileal VH, VW and VH/CD ratio compared to control and antibiotic. However, no significant effect was observed in crypt depth (CD) of duodenum, jejunum and ileum. Therefore, it can be concluded that inclusion of licorice root powder (0.1%), asparagus root powder (0.2%) and lemongrass oil (0.025%) in combinations has positive effect on intestinal histomorphometry and can be included in broiler diets as a best replacement to antibiotic growth promoter.