Impact of fermented bamboo powder on the morphology and physiology of the gastrointestinal tract in yellow-feather broiler chickens.

Bamboo powder, a novel ingredient, is gaining recognition for its potential as a dietary supplement in poultry feed. This study aimed to investigate the effects of fermented bamboo powder (FBP) on antioxidant status, gut hormone activities, intestinal digestive enzyme activities, gut morphological structure, gastrointestinal development, and the expression of nutritional transporter genes in dwarf yellow-feather broiler chickens. A total of 600 healthy 1-day-old chicks were allocated randomly into two groups, with 10 replicates per group and 30 chicks in each replicate. The control group was provided with a standard basal diet, whereas the experimental group received the same basal diet supplemented with 1.0, 2.0, 4.0, and 6.0 g/kg of fermented bamboo powder (FBP) in four phases: Phase I (days 1-22), Phase II (days 23-45), Phase III (days 46-60), and Phase IV (days 61-77). Phases I and II were categorized as the pretreatment period (days 0-45), while Phases III and IV represented the experimental period (days 46-77). Tissue samples were collected during Phase IV for further analysis. After 77 days of feeding, results revealed that FBP supplementation significantly enhanced the levels of gastrointestinal hormones (Glucagon-like peptide 1, Peptide YY, Cholecystokinin, and 5-hydroxytryptamine) in the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. Similarly, the activities of digestive enzymes (protease, chymotrypsin, trypsin, and amylase) were significantly increased in the small intestine. It also improved gut morphology by increasing villus height, crypt depth, and goblet cell counts in the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. Additionally, antioxidant enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase) were significantly increased, while malondialdehyde content was significantly decreased in the jejunum. Additionally, FBP supplementation significantly enhanced gizzard development. Overall, FBP supplementation modulated gut hormones and enzymes, enhanced gut morphology and promoted antioxidant status and gene expression related to nutrient transport and antioxidant defenses in broiler chickens. These findings suggest that FBP has the potential as a beneficial dietary supplement in poultry feed.