Numerous research papers from groups around the world are being published with the aim of scientifically evaluating alternatives for the total elimination of antibiotic use in animal production without compromising the health of our birds.
The Middle East and Persian Gulf region has created and funded new research centres which, among other food sources, have placed poultry protein at the target of their research. It is worth noting that poultry meat and eggs are the fastest-growing consumed protein in these countries over the last decade.
An example of this is the recent study conducted by universities in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Egypt for the control of Clostridium perfringens.
This study has demonstrated how the combination of magnetite nanoparticles (Fe3O4) and quercetin can significantly improve the health and performance of broiler chickens when facing Clostridium perfringens infections, the causative agent of necrotic enteritis.
For the research, 200 Ross 308 chickens were evaluated and divided into 4 groups: a control group with basal diet, another with magnetite, another with quercetin and one with a combination of quercetin and Fe3O4. All were administered a dose of Clostridium perfringens during their growth period and the diets were formulated without antibiotics, following the current trend of avoiding their use.
Chickens receiving the combination of quercetin and Fe3O4 showed lower intestinal colonisation of C. perfringens, which was reflected in a significant reduction in bacterial virulence genes. Chickens in this group also showed greater weight gain and better feed conversion compared to the other groups, which resulted in lower mortality, 4% versus 38% in the control group.
Supplementation with quercetin and Fe3O4 enhanced the expression of genes related to antimicrobial defence (β-defensins) and reduced intestinal inflammation by reducing the expression of inflammatory markers such as TNF-α. Additionally, the birds showed higher levels of antioxidant enzymes, thus improving their capacity to combat oxidative stress induced by infection.
At the histological level, birds supplemented with the combination of quercetin and Fe3O4 showed a preserved intestinal architecture, with less mucosal inflammation. The intestinal microbiota also benefited, with higher populations of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, and a reduction in harmful bacteria.
In conclusion, the inclusion of a mixture of quercetin and Fe3O4 in the diet not only improves chicken performance and health, but also offers a natural and effective alternative to antibiotics in controlling C. perfringens infections.
Source:
-. “Innovative unified impact of magnetite iron nanoparticles and quercetin on broiler chickens: performance, antioxidant and immune defense and controlling of Clostridium perfringens infection” . Front. Vet. Sci., 07 November 2024 -Sec. Animal Nutrition and Metabolism – Volume 11 – 2024 | https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2024.1474942