In the quest to enhance poultry production, a groundbreaking study led by Waleed Al-Marzooqi from the Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences at Sultan Qaboos University in Muscat, Oman, has unveiled promising results. The research, published in ‘Frontiers in Veterinary Science’ (which translates to ‘Frontiers in Animal Medicine Science’), explores the impact of Alterion supplementation on growth metrics, intestinal health, and microbial communities in both commercial and indigenous chicken breeds.
The study, conducted over 42 days, compared the effects of a 0.05% Alterion-supplemented diet against a control diet in Cobb 430 broilers and local Omani chickens. The findings are striking. “Across both breeds, Alterion supplementation significantly improved weight gain,” Al-Marzooqi noted. Specifically, the Alterion group exhibited a 12.1% increase in Cobb 430 chickens and a remarkable 26.7% increase in Omani birds, with all differences being statistically significant.
The benefits extended beyond growth metrics. The study revealed that the jejunum and ileum of both chicken breeds fed the supplemented diet exhibited higher villus height and villus-to-crypt ratio compared to the control group. This improvement in intestinal morphology suggests enhanced nutrient absorption and overall gut health.
Moreover, the study found that Alterion supplementation led to a significant increase in red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), and total protein in both chicken breeds. This indicates a positive impact on the birds’ immune function and overall health.
Carcass quality also saw notable improvements. The study reported that carcass and internal organs were significantly larger in Cobb 430 chickens compared to Omani chickens, and in Alterion-treated groups compared to controls. However, meat quality parameters remained unaffected by Alterion supplementation.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the study is its exploration of the gut microbiome. Alterion supplementation was found to modulate the composition and relative abundance of gut microflora, with Bacilli being the most abundant class in all treatments and gut segments. While Alterion had minimal influence on the overall composition of the bacterial community, it contributed to maintaining a normal ecological balance of the microbiota.
The implications of this research are far-reaching. For the poultry industry, Alterion supplementation presents a promising avenue for enhancing growth performance and gut health in chickens. This could lead to more efficient and sustainable poultry production, benefiting both farmers and consumers.
As Al-Marzooqi suggests, further research is needed to determine the optimal dosage of Alterion for Omani chickens, which could unlock even greater performance improvements. This study not only advances our understanding of Alterion’s role in poultry health but also paves the way for future innovations in the field.
In the ever-evolving landscape of agritech, this research stands as a testament to the potential of dietary supplements in revolutionizing poultry production. As we continue to explore and understand these benefits, the future of poultry farming looks brighter and more sustainable than ever before.