Effect of supplementation with microencapsulated essential oils of Stachys arvensis "Pedorra", Eugenia punicifolia "Unquia" y Salvia sagittata "Salvia Azul" on production parameters and intestinal morphology in broiler chickens

Abstract

The present study aimed to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation of different microencapsulated essential oils on productive parameters and intestinal morphology of broiler chickens. A total of 100 Cobb 500 male broilers were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments (T). The control group (T0) was fed with a commercial diet without additives, while the experimental groups received supplementation of essential oils of Unquia (T1), Salvia Azul (T2) and Pedorra (T3). The results showed that the T2 group obtained the highest values (P<0.05) for final weight, daily weight gain and food consumption. The conversion rate was significantly lower in the T2 and T3 groups. In addition, the experimental groups presented the lowest yield of abdominal fat (P<0.05). On day 42, the T2 group increased villus height and width (P<0.05); likewise, T0 presented the lowest value in crypt depth. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of microencapsulated essential oils improves productive parameters and intestinal morphology in broiler chickens.