Work

The effects of copper-loaded montmorillonite on intestinal morphology, microbiota, barrier function, antioxidant capacity, and gut-related gene expression in broilers

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: ABSTRACT Intestinal health is pivotal in modern poultry production, profoundly influencing growth performance and disease resistance. This study evaluated copper-loaded montmorillonite (Cu-MMT) as a novel feed additive to enhance gut health in broilers. A 21-day experiment was conducted using 270 one-day-old Arbor Acres broilers, randomly divided to three dietary treatments: a basal diet, a group supplemented with 350 mg/kg MMT, and a group supplemented with 350 mg/kg Cu-MMT. The results revealed that dietary supplementation with Cu-MMT significantly decreased the abundance of intestinal pathogens ( Salmonella, Escherichia coli, and Clostridia ). Concurrently, improvements in intestinal morphology were observed with Cu-MMT supplementation, characterized by elevated villus height and a higher villus height-to-crypt depth ratio. Furthermore, it reduced serum biomarkers of intestinal permeability (diamine oxidase and D-lactic acid), while upregulating the mRNA abundance of tight junction proteins ( Zonula occludens-1 and occludin ) and mucin-2 . Furthermore, Cu-MMT outperformed MMT alone in promoting nutrient utilization, elevating digestive enzymes (amylase, lipase, trypsin) activities, and upregulating key nutrient transporters ( PepT1, B o,+ AT, ATB o,+ , y + LAT2, and LAT1 ). The Cu-MMT supplementation significantly bolstered antioxidant defenses and mucosal immunity, as reflected by increased activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), reduced malondialdehyde concentrations, and increased mRNA abundance of GSH-Px and mucosal secretory immunoglobulin A. Mechanistically, the beneficial effects of Cu-MMT on antioxidant capacity were primarily mediated through the activation of the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 signaling pathway. In conclusion, Cu-MMT enhances the growth of broilers by enhancing intestinal barrier integrity, modulating gut microbiota, augmenting intestinal antioxidant capacity and promoting intestinal digestion and absorption functions, making it a promising feed additive.

Source: Poultry Science

DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2025.105608

Authors: Xinru Hu, Yiwen Rao, Peiqianng Yuan, Xingyong Chen, Cheng Zhang

Institution: Anhui Agricultural University

Language: English

Topic: Animal Nutrition and Physiology

Subfield: Animal Science and Zoology

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDGs: Zero hunger, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,600