Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Livestock Production, Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta Ogun state, Nigeria.

Abstract

This study assessed the effects of phytogenic supplements of cinnamon, ginger root and Moringa leaf meal on the intestinal microbiota of broiler chickens. A basal diet divided into 4 portions, designated: diet 1 (the control), diets 2, 3 and 4 supplemented with 0.2% cinnamon, 0.2% ginger root and 0.2% Moringa leaf meal, respectively. A total number of one hundred and twelve (112) day-old broiler chicks were randomly assigned to the four experimental diets (28birds/diet; 7birds per replicate) using a Completely Randomized Design. At the end of the 56th day, caeca contents of the experimental birds (1bird per replicate) were collected for bacterial analysis for culturing lactic acid producing bacteria, total aerobic bacteria, coliform bacteria and intestinal negative bacteria. The parameters were not significantly (p>0.05) affected by phytogenic supplements. It was observed that all bacteria target group had reduced levels in birds administered the phytogenic supplements. It may be concluded that phytogenic supplementation of experimental diet regulated antimicrobial phytogen adhesion and subsequent modification of gut microbiota which enhances intestinal epithelial integrity.