Effect of Pinus densiflora bark extract supplementation in broiler diet on antioxidative status, nutrient digestibility, and intestinal barrier function

Context. Pinus densiflora bark extract (PBE) has attracted more attention in the livestock industry due to its antioxidant activity, antibacterial activity and beneficial nutrient utilisation. Aims. This study aimed to determine the effect of dietary PBE concentration on growth performance, antioxidant activity, nutrient digestibility and intestinal health in broilers.Methods. In total, 180 1-day-old Arbour Acres male broilers were randomly divided into four treatment groups (0, 100, 200, 300 mg/kg PBE respectively), with five replicates per group and nine broilers per replicate, and the treatments were applied for 42 days.Results Dietary PBE supplementation improved significantly antioxidative status and gene expression of antioxidant enzymes such as SOD1, GPx1 and CAT in broilers. Moreover, PBE supplementation increased the intestinal absorption and mRNA expression level of the tight junction proteins. In addition, the diet supplemented with PBE significantly increased the villus height (P < 0.01) and the villus:crypt ratio (C:V) (P < 0.05) in jejunum. Although supplementation of 300 mg/kg PBE significantly decreased nutrient digestibility and activities of lipase and amylase (P < 0.05), supplementation of 200 mg/kg PBE had no negative impact on digestibility. Conclusion. This study showed that supplementation of 200 mg/kg PBE improves the antioxidant status and the intestinal health without adverse impact in broilers. Implications. This study has provided scientific insight and rationale to protect broilers from oxidative stress and intestinal disease.