The influence of various feed additives on the structure of the distal cecum of broilers

This article concludes a study examining the effect of the probiotic Vetom-1.1 (based on B. subtilis strains) and the sorbent Enterosgel (based on polymethylsiloxane polyhydrate) on the intestines of broilers. Three groups of broilers, 50 birds each, were formed. The control group received the basic diet. Group B received the probiotic Vetom-1.1 (0.006%), and Group E received the enterosorbent Enterosgel (0.008%) during the first three days of the experiment; thereafter, the experimental groups received the basic diet. Histological studies were performed on the first day before the start of feeding, on the fourth day after the end of feeding the drugs, before the transition to the basic diet, and at the end of the experiment. The thickness of the layers of the distal cecum and the density of neutral goblet cells per an area of 10,000 μm2 were determined. On day 4, the muscular layer in the distal part of the cecum significantly increased by 16.4% (group B) and 25.1% (group E). At the same time, the crypt layer size decreased by 8.7 (P<0.05, group B) and 30.2% (P<0.001, group E), the goblet cell density increased by 28.9% (P<0.01, group B) and 72.5% (P<0.001, group E). At the end of the experiment, the muscular layer in the experimental groups was significantly lower by 16.4% (group B) and 20.4% (group E). The crypt layer was lower by 17.5% (group B) and 9.8% (group E). There were no differences in the goblet cell density. Thus, the studied drugs inhibit the development of the wall of the distal part of the cecum throughout the experiment, which is inconsistent with the results in the small intestine.