27 / 2024-10-12 17:49:35

Comprehensive Effects of Artemisia argyi on Intestinal Morphology and Mucosal Immune Markers in Broiler Chickens

The study aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary Artemisia argyi (AI) on the intestinal morphology and mucosal immune markers of broiler chickens. A total of 160 broiler chickens were randomly assigned to four groups and fed diets containing either no AI (control group) or diets supplemented with 3%, 5%, and 7% AI. The findings indicated that AI inclusion significantly increased the thymus and spleen indices, suggesting an enhancement in immune function. Histological observations revealed that AI improved the structure of the small intestinal villi, increased villus length, and the villus to crypt ratio (V/C), and elevated the number of goblet cells. Further analysis through ELISA and qPCR demonstrated that AI modulated intestinal mucosal immune factors, increasing the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 and decreasing the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6. The most notable improvements in immune function and intestinal morphology were observed with a 5% AI inclusion.