Impact of dietary ginseng stem leaf extract on intestinal barrier function, gut microbiota and short-chain fatty acid metabolism in broilers

With the increasing concern regarding antibiotic resistance and the rising demand for organic broiler farming, gut health has emerged as a focal point throughout all stages of broiler production. This study investigated the effects of dietary supplementation with Ginseng Stem Leaf Extract (GSL) on intestinal barrier function, gut microbiota, and short-chain fatty acid metabolism in broilers. In addition to a standard diet for the control group (CON), the experimental group received either 5% GSL or 45 mg/kg Chlortetracycline (CTC). The results indicated that the GSL group exhibited significantly greater villus height (VH) in the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum, along with a notably reduced crypt depth (CD) in the jejunum and ileum compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that the GSL group showed significantly upregulated levels of ZO-1 and Occludin in the jejunum, ileum, and duodenum (P < 0.05). 16S rRNA sequencing demonstrated that the GSL group had higher microbial diversity in the cecum compared to both the control and CTC groups. SCFA analysis indicated that GSL-treated broilers had significantly higher levels of acetate, propionate, butyrate, isobutyrate, and valerate in the cecum compared to controls (P < 0.05). These findings suggest that 5% GSL is a promising feed additive for broiler chickens.