Evaluation of Trachyspermum ammi and formaldehyde on microbial population and intestine morphology in broilers

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of formalin and Trachyspermum ammi (ajwain) of three concentrations on the microbial population and morphology of broilers. 150 one-day-old male broiler chicks were randomly divided into groups comprising of three replicates in each group. Each replicate contained 10 chicks. Five experimental diets composed of 1) basal diet with no additive 2) basal diet+ 175 ppm T. ammi 3) basal diet+ 350 ppm T. ammi 4) basal diet+ 700 ppm T. ammi 5) basal diet+ 0.1 percent formaldehyde. At the end of the experiment intestinal morphometric indices and microbiota counts were determined. In ileum, the count of bifidobacteria decreased in the groups received formaldehyde; ajwain at 700 ppm decreased the number of Lactobacilli but had no adverse effect on beneficial bacteria (Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria). Also, formaldehyde and ajwain at 350 and 700 ppm decreased clostridia population in Ileum. In caecum, ajwain increased Bifidobacteria population at the concentration of 700 ppm and decreased Clostridia number at the concentration of 350 and 700 ppm. There was no difference between Coliforms counts in groups in Ileum and caecum. In duodenum, villus height increased in the groups with 175 ppm ajwain, villus height and villus height to cryptal depth ratio at 350 ppm ajwain. Use of ajwain at 700 ppm has no effect on duodenum morphology. However, formaldehyde increased villus height, villus width and crypt depth but had no impact on villus height to cryptal depth ratio. In jejunum, there was no difference in intestine morphology between the groups fed by basal diet and other groups except formaldehyde increased villus height. In conclusion, both ajwain and formaldehyde could improve intestine morphology and decrease undesirable bacterial counts.