Citrus sinensis essential oil as a modulator of intestinal morphology in broiler chickens

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Abstract

Abstract: This study evaluated the effects of supplementation with Citrus sinensis essential oil, obtained from juice industry waste, on the intestinal morphology of broiler chickens. The experiment used 150 Cobb chickens, divided into three treatments: control, antibiotic (200 ppm amoxicillin), and orange essential oil (200 ppm). At 21 and 42 days, histomorphometric analyses of the villi and crypts of the small intestine portions (duodenum, jejunum, and ileum) were performed. At 21 days, villi and crypts were larger in the negative control treatment compared to the positive control treatment (amoxicillin) and the treatment with orange essential oil, while in the ileum, greater villus height was observed in the treatment with essential oil. At 42 days, supplementation with Citrus sinensis promoted a significant increase in villus height and greater crypt depth in the duodenum and ileum of the chickens, compared to the negative control group. In the jejunum, no statistical differences were observed between treatments. The villus/crypt ratio was higher in the supplemented groups, indicating better absorptive function. The use of Citrus sinensis essential oil improved intestinal integrity and may be a viable and sustainable alternative in poultry farming, promoting better nutrient utilization and valorization of agro-industrial waste.
Keywords: alternative; antibiotics; supplementation; valorization; villi.

Key-words: Alternative; Antibiotics; Supplementation; Valorization; Villi.

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2026-02-06

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JÚNIOR, Elísio Marques Almeida Júnior; COSTA, Karine Oliveira; ALVARENGA, Jéssica Cristina; SILVA, Weslane Justina da; SAMPAIO, Stéfane Alves; MORAIS, Ana Maria Vilas Boas; SANTOS, Fabiana Ramos dos; MINAFRA, Cibele Silva. Citrus sinensis essential oil as a modulator of intestinal morphology in broiler chickens. Brazilian Animal Science/ Ciência Animal Brasileira, Goiânia, v. 27, 2026. Disponível em: https://revistas.ufg.br/vet/article/view/83708. Acesso em: 7 feb. 2026.

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Vol. 27 (2026): Continuous publication

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ANIMAL SCIENCE

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