The effect of plectasin supplementation on small intestines morphometric characteristics, blood profile, and growth performance of broiler chickens

Albert Sean S. Favorito; Michelle Grace V. Paraso; Arville Mar Gregorio A. Pajas; Joseph F. dela Cruz

doi:10.1590/1809-6891v26e-80624E

Authors

Albert Sean S. Favorito University of the Philippines Los Baños, Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines https://orcid.org/0009-0001-2949-3051
Michelle Grace V. Paraso University of the Philippines Los Baños, Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5079-3710
Arville Mar Gregorio A. Pajas University of the Philippines Los Baños, Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0355-9371
Joseph F. dela Cruz University of the Philippines Los Baños, Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2482-8019

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/1809-6891v26e-80624E

Abstract

Antimicrobial peptides such as plectasin have been proposed as a suitable replacement for antibiotic growth promoters in livestock. However, its efficacy under local conditions in philippines has yet to be determined. This study was conducted to evaluate plectasin's efficacy on growth performance, morphometric features of the small intestines, and selected blood parameters in broiler chickens. A number of Three-hundred, 1-day-old Ross broiler chicks were randomly allocated using a randomized complete block design with initial weight as a blocking factor to the following treatment groups: negative control (T1); 250 ppm enramycin or positive control (T2); 150 ppm plectasin (T3); 300 ppm plectasin (T4); and 450 ppm plectasin (T5). Plectasin supplementation at 150 ppm during the finisher phase improved the growth performance of broiler chickens (P<0.05) by enhancing the feed conversion ratio 1.89±0.12 and increasing the average daily gain (80.68±5.40g). All treatment groups' average daily feed intake was comparable throughout the feeding phases. Although, supplementation did not affect morphometric measurements of the small intestines and serum levels of glucose, triglycerides, and cholesterol. This study indicates that the antimicrobial peptide plectasin has beneficial effects on growth performance and improve nutrient utilization efficiency without disrupting normal physiological functions.
Keywords: plectasin; blood profile; growth performance; intestinal morphology; broilers.

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