Investigating small intestinal microbial flora, histomorphometry changes of the cecum and performance of broiler chickens after feeding with tomato pomace processed with urea and enzyme supplements

Abstract

Introduction: This research carried out to investigate small intestine microbial flora, intestinal tissue changes and performance after feeding with tomato pomace processed with urea and an enzyme supplement to broiler chickens. Materials & methods: In this research, 504 broiler chicks were used in a completely randomized design with seven treatments and four replicated and 18 chicks in each unit. Experimental treatments include: tomato pomace processed without enzymes at a rate of 15 percent of the diet; tomato pomace processed with urea without enzymes (15 percent of the diet); tomato pomace processed with urea with enzymes (15 percent of the diet); tomato pomace processed without enzymes (20 percent of the diet); tomato pomace processed with the urea without enzymes (20% of the diet); and tomato pomace processed with urea with enzymes (20% of the diet). At the end of the experiment, one chicken was selected from each replicate and the samples of the ileum, jejunum, and cecal intestinal tissue were collected. pH and the number of Lactobacillus and Escherichia coli bacteria of the ileum, jejunum and histomorphometry characteristics of secum were measured. Results: The findings showed that the pH in all three groups fed with tomato pomace were decreased in compared to the control group (P<0.05). Villi high in groups treatment with 15% without processing and three levels of 20% without processing, processing with urea and processing with urea-enzyme showed significant difference in compared to the control group (P<0.05). None of the experimental treatments improved the feed conversion ratio as compared to the other groups. Conclusion: As unlike the other treatments, there were no decreasing of chickens fed with tomato pomace processed without enzymes at a rate of 15 percent of the diet, and the number of Lactobacillus in all experimental groups were increased as compared to the control groups, it seems that the addition of 15% processed tomato pomace was suitable for the diet of broiler chickens.