The effects of adding Ferula asafoetida gum to the diet of broiler chickens on their intestinal growth, morphology, and digestive enzyme activity

As natural substitutes for antibiotics in poultry production, phytogenic feed additives (PFAs) have garnered significant interest because to their potential to regulate intestinal health. This trial was performed to determine the effect of Ferula asafoetida gum powder (FAGP) inclusion in diets of broiler chickens on digestive enzymes and intestinal morphology. The 192 one-day-old Ross 308 broiler chickens were divided into four treatment groups, each consisting of three replicates, for the 35-day feeding trial. FAGP was examined at different inclusion levels per kg diet, 0% (control, T0), 4 g (T1), 8 g (T2), and 12 g (T3) in a completely randomized design. The results showed that at the end of the trial (35 days) the FAGP addition had positive effects (p < 0.001) on the Serum lipase, chymotrypsin and trypsin in compared to control group. Dietary addition of FAGP had no influence on the relative length and weight of small intestine at d 1 to 18. But FAGP addition significantly reduced the relative weight of duodenum. Dietary addition of FAGP was associated with greater (p<0.05) villus height in the jejunal and ileal mucosa in compared to those areas in the control from d 1 to 35. However, addition with FAGP had no significant (p>0.05) influence on the crypt depth in the jejunal and ileal mucosa in compared to those in the control. In conclusion, dietary addition of FAGP enhanced intestinal morphology, increased intestinal weight and length, and enhanced gut digesting enzyme activity.