Abstract

The aim was to evaluate Stevia (S) (0.5 - 2%) effects on productive parameters, primary immunological organs and gut health in broilers during fifteen days using S Mash (SM) on diets. Twenty-five male, 1-day old Ross broiler were used for first day old chicken were divided in: Treatment 1 (T1) (without S), T2: T1 + SM (0.5%), T3: T1 + SM (1%) and T4: T1 + SM (2%). Each group had five broilers/five repetitions/treatment. At the end of assay, immediately following death, all broilers were dissected, Thymus, Fabricius Bursa and Gut were removed and process for histopathological and histomorphometric study. In gut was measured Villi Height/Crypt Deep (VH/CD) Ratio. Also, it was determinate Conversion Index (CI). The data were analysed by ANOVA and posteriorly test. Results: HV/CD Ratio was T1‹T3‹T4‹T2 (p ≤ 0.01). On gut were noticed enhanced plasmatic and goblet cells number and mucus layer on T2, T3 and T4. Thymus and Fabricius Bursa showed early inmunologic maturity in all groups receive S. CI was similar between the different treatment (no significative). In conclusion: Stevia (0.5 - 2% SM) produce early immunologic maturity on primary immune organ and partially increasing intestinal functionality, mainly when S is administered at 2%, in broilers during the first fifteen days old.

Keywords: Chicken; Gut Heath; Intestinal Functionality; Natural Growth Promotor; Productive Parameters

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