Effect of flavonoids from Eupatorium odoratum L. on immunoglobulins and cecal microflora in broilers

Zhang, Q-H; Nie, F-H; Wang, X-N; Lin, H-Y; Wang, H-CR; Gooneratne, R; Chen, J-J

Publication

Effect of flavonoids from Eupatorium odoratum L. on immunoglobulins and cecal microflora in broilers

Authors

Zhang, Q-H, Nie, F-H, Wang, X-N, Lin, H-Y, Wang, H-CR, Gooneratne, R, Chen, J-J

Date

2018

Type

Journal Article

Abstract

The effects of total flavonoids from Eupatorium odoratum L. (TFEO) on serum (IgM, IgG) and duodenal mucosa (Secretory IgA-SIgA) immunoglobulins and cecal microflora composition in broiler chicken were investigated. Test groups received diets supplemented with 100, 200, or 400 mg/kg TFEO for 21 and 42d. At 21d, IgM levels were higher in the 200 and 400 mg/kg groups compared to control group. IgG and SIgA levels were increased in all test groups (P<0.05). At 42d, IgG content in all test groups were higher (P<0.05), IgM in all test groups was higher (P>0.05). SIgA in all test groups increased at 200 and 400 mg/kg (P<0.01) >100 mg/kg (P<0.05) compared to the controls. Significant increases (P<0.05) in Firmicutes phylum and Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus and Lachnospira genera gut microbes and significant decreases in pathogenic Escherichia and Clostridium of the test groups were observed at 21 and/or 42d. TFEO flavonoids are suggested for use as a feed additive for broilers to improve cecal microflora and humoral immunity.