In the quest to enhance poultry health and productivity, a team of researchers led by Luli Zhou from the Tropical Crops Genetic Resources Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, has made a significant stride. Their study, published in *Animal Bioscience* (translated from Korean as “Animal Biology Science”), explores the impact of two bioactive compounds, pellitorine (PT) and vitexin-2-O-rhamnoside (VR), found in Piper sarmentosum (PS), on the growth, intestinal barrier function, and immunity of broiler chickens.
The research team set out to confirm whether PT and VR are the primary anti-inflammatory active ingredients in the ethanol extract of PS (PSE). To do this, they divided 300 one-day-old female Danzhou chickens into five groups, each receiving a different diet: a basal diet (control group), a basal diet with added PSE, VR, PT, and a combination of VR+PT. The chickens were monitored until they reached 35 days of age.
The results were promising. Chickens in the VR+PT group showed increased liver, thymus, and spleen indices compared to the control group. Additionally, the mRNA levels of ZO-1 and Claudin-1, which are crucial for maintaining the integrity of the intestinal barrier, were elevated in the VR+PT group. “This suggests that the combination of VR and PT can enhance the intestinal barrier function, which is vital for the overall health and growth of the chickens,” Zhou explained.
Moreover, the VR+PT group exhibited reduced levels of inflammatory markers IL-1β and IL-6 in both serum and ileum mucosa. This indicates that the combination of VR and PT has a significant anti-inflammatory effect. The chickens in the VR+PT group also had a greater final weight and average daily gain compared to the control and PSE groups, with a significantly lower level of D-lactic acid in serum, a marker of gut health.
“Our findings provide preliminary evidence that VR and PT are two of the main active compounds in PSE, which can cooperatively improve growth performance, intestinal barrier integrity, and immune function in chickens,” Zhou stated. The study also found that the serum IgM level increased significantly in the VR+PT group compared to the PSE group, while the kidney epinephrine level decreased significantly.
This research has significant implications for the poultry industry. By identifying the key active compounds in PSE, farmers and nutritionists can develop more targeted and effective feed supplements to enhance the health and productivity of broiler chickens. “This could lead to more efficient and sustainable poultry farming practices, ultimately benefiting both the industry and consumers,” Zhou added.
The study, published in *Animal Bioscience*, opens new avenues for research into the use of bioactive compounds in animal nutrition. As the demand for poultry products continues to grow, the need for innovative and effective solutions to enhance poultry health and productivity becomes increasingly important. This research provides a promising step in that direction, offering a glimpse into the future of poultry farming and the potential of bioactive compounds to revolutionize the industry.