Benefits of Agave Supplement on Growth, Health, and Immunity in Chickens

Jenn Hoskins
15th July, 2024

Benefits of Agave Supplement on Growth, Health, and Immunity in Chickens

Tequila Agave (Agave tequilana)

Photo adapted from: Oscar Alejandro Morales Juárez / CC BY SA (Source)

Key Findings

  • The study from the University of Guanajuato tested a cobiotic made of Agave fructans and turmeric powder on broiler chickens
  • Chickens fed with Agave fructans were more efficient in converting feed into body mass
  • The cobiotic improved gut health by significantly lowering the pH of the cecal content
  • Agave fructans increased anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 levels and decreased pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1β levels, enhancing immune response
The University of Guanajuato recently conducted a study evaluating the effects of a cobiotic (CO) composed of organic fructans powder from Agave tequilana and turmeric powder from Curcuma longa L. on the growth performance, blood parameters, intestinal pH, oxidative stress, and cytokine serum levels in broiler chickens[1]. This research aims to find an alternative to antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs), which are commonly used in poultry but have raised concerns due to antibiotic resistance. The study involved 135 one-day-old Ross 308 broilers divided into five groups. These groups were fed different diets over 49 days: a standard diet without AGPs (CON), a standard diet with COLI-ZIN (AGP), a diet with 0.1 g Agave fructans/kg feed (AF), a diet with 0.5 g turmeric powder/kg feed (TP), and a diet combining 0.1 g AF and 0.5 g TP/kg feed (CO). The researchers measured various parameters, including feed intake, blood parameters, intestinal pH, oxidative stress, and cytokine serum levels. The results showed that both AF and TP decreased feed intake, with the best feed conversion ratio (FCR) observed in the AF group. This indicates that the chickens in the AF group were more efficient in converting feed into body mass. Interestingly, the AGP group had an increased heterophil-lymphocyte ratio compared to the other groups, suggesting higher stress levels. In contrast, the CO group significantly decreased the pH of the cecal content, which is beneficial for gut health. The study also found that AF increased IL-10 levels, an anti-inflammatory cytokine, while TP decreased it. Additionally, AF decreased IL-1β levels, a pro-inflammatory cytokine. These findings suggest that the cobiotic can modulate the immune response in broilers, potentially making them less susceptible to infections. The use of fructans from Agave tequilana is supported by earlier studies that highlight the benefits of fructans in functional foods. Fructans are fructose-based oligo- and polysaccharides that have immunomodulatory and antioxidant effects[2]. Another study demonstrated that fructans with lower degrees of polymerization (DP) could enhance cecal IgA secretion and increase plasma cells, which are crucial for immune function[3]. Therefore, the inclusion of Agave fructans in the diet could contribute to improved immune responses in broilers. Turmeric, particularly its active compound curcumin, has been extensively studied for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties[4]. The current study's findings align with previous research, demonstrating that turmeric can positively affect immune parameters and reduce inflammation. In conclusion, the study from the University of Guanajuato suggests that a cobiotic composed of Agave fructans and turmeric powder can serve as a safe and effective alternative to antibiotic growth promoters in broiler chickens. This cobiotic not only improves growth performance but also enhances immune function and gut health, addressing some of the critical concerns associated with the use of AGPs in poultry farming.

NutritionHealthAnimal Science

References

Main Study

1) Effects of dietary supplementation of cobiotic based on Agave fructans on growth performance, blood parameters, oxidative damage and immune status of broiler.

Published 15th July, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1007/s11250-024-04059-y

Related Studies

2) Fructose and Fructans: Opposite Effects on Health?

https://doi.org/10.1007/s11130-015-0485-6

3) Degree of polymerization of inulin-type fructans differentially affects number of lactic acid bacteria, intestinal immune functions, and immunoglobulin A secretion in the rat cecum.

https://doi.org/10.1021/jf200859z

4) Curcumin, the active substance of turmeric: its effects on health and ways to improve its bioavailability.

https://doi.org/10.1002/jsfa.11372


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