Effects of CytoGard as Drinking Water Supplement on Some Gut Health-Related Genes Expression, Inflammatory Responses, and Bone Strength Characteristics in Broiler Chickens

Abstract

Gastrointestinal health plays a crucial role in enhancing immune function and maintaining a balanced gut microbiota in poultry. Regulation of inflammatory gene expression and upregulation of genes related to intestinal health are key factors in preserving epithelial integrity and immune efficiency. In the present study, the effects of a drinking water supplement, commercially known as CytoGard, on the expression of inflammatory and intestinal health-related genes during the rearing period of broiler chickens were evaluated. A total of 180 Ross 308 broiler chickens were randomly allocated to three experimental treatments: CytoGard, a commercial probiotic serving as a positive control, and control groups, with six replicates of 10 birds each. On day 42, ileum samples were collected to analyze the expression of pro-inflammatory genes (TNF-α and IL-1β) as well as the anti-inflammatory gene (IL-10). Additionally, the expression of gut health-related genes, including occludin, mucin-2, and immunoglobulin A, was assessed using real-time PCR. Furthermore, the mechanical properties of the tibia bone were evaluated. The results showed that CytoGard significantly reduced the expression of TNF-α and IL-1β compared to the control group (p<0.01). Moreover, the expression of intestinal health-related genes such as mucin-2 and occludin was significantly upregulated (p<0.01). The mechanical properties of tibia bone did not differ significantly among groups (p > 0.05). Therefore, regular supplementation with CytoGard during the rearing period may be considered as an effective strategy to enhance poultry gut health by reducing inflammation and upregulating the expression of intestinal health-related genes.