Duodenal morphometry of chickens fed with schizochytrium spp. Algae extract supplement
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abstract
Currently, there is a search for feed supplements aimed at improving efficiency in the production of meat
broilers. One supplement option that hás shown satisfactory results in other species is algae. For such, this
work had as objective to evaluate the effect of the addition of microalgae extract in feed on poultry duodenum.
The development of duodenum villi and crypts was assessed at 7 and 35 days of age of broiler chickens fed
with Schizochytrium spp. (EMS) supplement. Using a mixed-effects models, it was found that after 7 days, EMS
supplementation did not alter the morphological characteristics of the duodenum; however, a slight increase
(P>0.05) at the height ofthe villi (HV) and the size ofthe crypt region (CR) was observed in the diet with 0.3%
EMS. At 35 days of age, birds supplemented with 0.3% EMS presented higher (P<0.05) villus height, higher
(P<0. 05) crypt region, and consequently higher (P<0. 05) HV:CR ratio. Comparing birds fed without special diet
(contrai) and those with ESM treatments, it was demonstrated that the supplementation had a positive effect
(P<0. 05) on the morphometric measurements of the duodenum.
