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Microencapsulated Blend of Thyme, Oregano, and Ajwain Essential Oils Enhances Broiler Productivity by Modulating Gut Morphology and Nutrient Digestibility

Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: The global poultry industry seeks sustainable alternatives to antibiotic growth promoters due to concerns regarding antimicrobial resistance and chemical residues. This trial examined the physiological and productive impacts of a microencapsulated blend of thyme, oregano, and ajwain essential oils (TOA-EOs) in broiler chickens. A total of 360 male Ross 308 broilers were assigned to four dietary treatments: a basal diet (NC), a basal diet with 50 mg/kg bacitracin (PC), and diets supplemented with either 0.75 or 1.5 g/kg of TOA-EOs. Results demonstrated that TOA-EO supplementation significantly reduced feed intake (p < 0.05) and improved feed conversion ratio (p < 0.05), particularly in the 0.75 g/kg group compared to NC. However, pairwise comparisons for body weight gain showed no significant differences among treatments based on Tukey’s HSD test, despite a significant overall ANOVA (p < 0.05). These performance benefits were linked to enhanced jejunal morphology, characterized by significantly increased villus height, surface area, and villus height to crypt depth ratio (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the apparent ileal digestibility of crude protein was significantly enhanced (p < 0.05), although serum antioxidant status and immune response against Newcastle disease virus were not significantly influenced (p > 0.05). In conclusion, microencapsulated TOA-EOs effectively promote broiler growth performance by refining intestinal structure and enhancing nutrient digestibility, serving as a potent and sustainable alternative to traditional antibiotics.
DOI: 10.3390/vetsci13090898
Institution: Razi University
Language: English
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,534
OpenAlex ID: W7204868960
FWCI:
Cites: 38
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Related to: 10