Work

Effects of dietary fermented passion fruit (Passiflora edulis Sims) peel on growth performance, intestinal morphology, and cecal microbiota in Lingshan broilers

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Passion fruit peel is a common byproduct of industrial passion fruit processing, yet it serves as a valuable source of diverse bioactive compounds and nutrients. However, limited attention has been paid in the literature to the nutritional properties and practical applications of passion fruit peel. This study aimed to examine the effect of fermented passion fruit peel (FPFP) on growth performance, intestinal morphology, and cecal microbiota of Lingshan broilers. A total of 400 female Lingshan broilers were randomly allocated to four groups with five replicates per group and 20 birds per replicate. The control group (CK) was fed a basal diet, while the experimental groups had 5% (L5), 10% (L10), and 15% (L15) of the basal diet replaced with FPFP. Growth performance and intestinal morphology were determined, and the cecal microbial community was analyzed via 16S rRNA sequencing. The results demonstrated that the 10% inclusion yielded optimal outcomes. Compared to all other groups, the 10% group exhibited significantly higher final body weight, total weight gain, and average daily gain ( p < 0.05), coupled with a significantly lower feed-to-gain ratio ( p < 0.05), while feed intake remained unaffected. Morphologically, the 10% group showed significantly greater duodenal villus height and higher villus height-to-crypt depth ratio in the jejunum and ileum ( p < 0.05). Total intestinal length was also significantly increased in all FPFP-supplemented groups ( p < 0.05). Although overall cecal microbial community structure (beta diversity) was not significantly altered, beneficial taxonomic shifts were observed. Specifically, the relative abundances of fibre-degrading Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group and growth metabolism-associated Oscillibacter were significantly enriched in the 10 and 15% groups ( p < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary inclusion of 10% FPFP significantly enhances broiler growth performance and feed efficiency. These benefits are likely mediated through improved intestinal absorptive architecture and a modulated cecal microbiota, supporting the potential of FPFP as a functional feed resource for sustainable poultry farming.

Source: Frontiers in Nutrition

DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2026.1792055