Selected plant extracts modulate the gut microflora in broilers

Abstract

Broiler chickens were fed diets supplemented with three different water-soluble carbohydrate extracts obtained from Cabbage tree 'Cordyline australis' ('CorE') and exudates from Golden wattle tree 'Acacia pycnantha' ('AcaE'), and a seaweed, 'Undaria pinnatifida' ('UndE'). Each extract was supplemented at two levels (5 g/kg and 109/kg) to 384 broiler chickens. The inclusion of plant extracts in feed modulated the composition of the microflora in the ileum and caeca of broilers. The ileal and caecal organic acid analysis indicated that plant extract affected microbial fermentation patterns in the ileum and caeca.