Use of essential oil mixture to improve antioxidant capacity and concentrations of cecum short-chain fatty acids in Turkish domestic geese (Anser anser)

Abstract

The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of essential oil mixture supplemented in drinking water on antioxidant capacity and intestinal health in geese. One hundred eight chicks (which were 3 days old) were randomly allocated to 3 groups and each group was allocated to 6 subgroups. Research groups have been as follows: C (Control; without supplementation); E1 (0.4 ml/L essential oil mixture supplementation) and E2 (0.8 ml/L essential oil mixture supplementation). The duration of the experiment was 13 weeks. In the first 4 weeks of the trial, the animals were fed for the chick period. In the last 9 weeks of the trial, geese were fed in the pasture under the conditions of Kars province. In the 4th week and at the end of the experiment, GSH exhibited a linear response (P=0.008 and P=0.004, respectively). However, MDA, GSH, SOD, GPx, CAT, nitric oxide, ceruloplasmin, albumin, total protein and globulin were not affected. At the end of the experiment, acetic acid, butyric acid, isocaproic acid and total short-chain fatty acid concentrations were linearly affected with the gradued level of essential oil mixture. There were no significant differences in propionic acid, isobutyric acid, valeric acid, isovaleric acid, caproic acid and BCFA concentrations. In conclusion, water containing essential oil mixture in geese can be used to improve antioxidant capacity and intestinal health.