Effect of chlorine dioxide (Dutrion®) on growth performance, gut histomorphology and pathogenic microbial count of meat type birds.

The potential benefits of a water acidifying agent chlorine dioxide (Dutrion (R)) were investigated on the production performance, ileal intestinal microflora and gut histomorphology at day-28. One hundred and sixty, day-old, Cobb-500 male broiler birds were randomly assigned to four treatments i.e. DW-0, DW-0.3, DW-0.4 and DW-0.5 that were replicated (n= 4) with 10 birds/replicate. Birds in all groups were reared on floor pens in an open sided house and had ad libitum access to feed and water. DW-0 served as control and to DW-0.3, DW-0.4 and DW-0.5 was given 0.3, 0.4 and 0.5 ppm of chlorine dioxide in drinking water, respectively. Lower ileum tissue and digesta samples were collected and performance variables were noted. Chlorine dioxide significantly (P<0.05) reduced E. coli and Salmonella count on day 21(st) and 28(th). It was revealed that gut histomorphology, villus height (920.03 mu m) and goblet cell count per unit (80.25) of birds in group DW-0.5 was significantly improved. Feed and water intake was not significantly altered however, body weight gain and FCR significantly improved with increasing level of Dutrion (R). Carcass (70.39%) and liver (6.08%) yield showed a significant increase in birds of group DW-0.5. No difference (P>0.05) was seen in relative liver and gizzard weight (%) among different treatments. It can be concluded from present findings that addition of chlorine dioxide (Dutrion (R)) can serve as an effective tool to improve broiler performance by reducing the load of harmful pathogens and improving gut health of birds. (C) 2015 PVJ. All rights reserved