VNUA: Herbal Pro 2A in poultry feed can reduce harmful gut bacteria

At the Poultry Science and Technology Subcommittee session held on March 28 as part of the first National Conference on Livestock and Veterinary Science and Technology, Associate Professor Dr. Ha Xuan Bo, from the Faculty of Animal Science (Viet Nam National University of Agriculture - VNUA), presented research findings on the effects of supplementing herbal mixtures in the diet on gut microbiota and intestinal villi structure in F1 crossbred chickens.

According to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ha Xuan Bo, as antibiotic resistance becomes an escalating challenge for the livestock industry, long-term reliance on antibiotics not only diminishes treatment efficacy but also poses significant risks to food safety and public health. Consequently, searching for safe and sustainable alternatives that can effectively control diseases without contributing to drug resistance has become an urgent and long-term requirement for the industry.

“Integrating herbal supplements into diets is considered a promising direction. It not only improves digestion and nutrient absorption but also promotes the growth of beneficial gut microbiota in chickens,” said Mr. Ha Xuan Bo.

However, according to the expert, although numerous studies have examined the impact of herbs on livestock productivity, knowledge of their effects on gut microflora and intestinal villi structure in broilers remains relatively limited.

In response to this reality, a research team from VNUA evaluated the impact of Herbal Pro 2A, an antibiotic alternative candidate, on gut bacterial counts and villous structure in F1 hybrid chickens.

The experiment was conducted at an experimental farm from September to November 2023. The study involved 162 F1 hybrid chickens, balanced by sex (male and female) and arranged in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) across five groups.

"The setup included a control group with no herbs or antibiotics; three groups supplemented with Herbal Pro 2A at doses of 1.5 g/kg, 3 g/kg, and 4.5 g/kg of feed; and a positive control group using the antibiotic Tylosin," Mr. Bo shared.

Herbal Pro 2A is a blend of various herbs, including Hawthorn, Poria cocos, Malt, Angelica, Radish seed, Forsythia, Medicated Leaven, and Rangoon creeper. During the trial, fecal samples were collected at 2 and 8 weeks of age to analyze the populations of E. coli and Clostridium perfringens.

Upon conclusion of the experiment, 30 chickens were necropsied to evaluate intestinal villi structure across different segments of the digestive system. The results indicated that supplementation with Herbal Pro 2A had a significant impact on the gut microbiota.

Specifically, the populations of E. coli and Clostridium perfringens decreased in all herbal-supplemented groups compared to the non-supplemented control group, highlighting the product's potential to control harmful bacteria without the need for antibiotics.

However, when the dosage was increased to 3-4.5 g/kg, some adverse changes were observed in intestinal villi structure, including reduced height and width in the jejunum, ileum, and cecum. These areas are critical for nutrient absorption in livestock.

In contrast, at a lower dosage of 1.5 g/kg, the supplement effectively reduced gut bacteria without significantly affecting the villi structure. This suggests that selecting the appropriate dosage is key to optimizing the effectiveness of herbal additives in animal husbandry.

Based on the research findings, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ha Xuan Bo concluded that supplementing F1 hybrid chicken diets with the herbal preparation Herbal Pro 2A can significantly reduce the count of harmful intestinal bacteria. However, this effectiveness is closely linked to the dosage used. An inclusion level of 1.5 g/kg was evaluated as the most suitable, ensuring both effective bacterial control and the preservation of the intestinal villi structure.

“These results contribute to opening a new path in gradually reducing antibiotic dependence in livestock farming, moving towards a safer, more efficient, and more sustainable production system in the future,” the VNUA expert emphasized.