Effect of dietary inclusion of Zataria multiflora onhistological parameters of small intestine in broilerchickens

The composition of diet can influence morphological features of intestines which may lead to changes in digestion and absorption of nutrients.The present study evaluates the histomorphometric changes of small intestine due to Zataria Multiflora in broiler chickens. To this end, Fifty, one-day old chickens were randomly divided into fve equal groups and fed with diets contained 0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2% of Z. multiflora (experimental groups) or basal diet (Control Group) for 40 days. At the end of the treated period, all animals were weighted and sacrifced. Small intestine was removed from the bodies immediately after death; transverse sections were successively cut with 2cm intervals and fxed in 10% buffered formalin. The sections were stained with H&E, and then studied under light microscope. Height and width of villi, depth of crypts, and width of sub-mucosal and muscular layer were measured by linear Graticule, then data were analyzed by using the ANOVA statistical test. The result showed that, villus height, crypt dept, and villus height/crypt dept ratio as well as submucosal and muscular layer width did not signifcantly changed in the experimental groups as compared to control; this indicated either the lack of any change in intestinal absorption or the weights of the experimental chickens as compared to the control. In conclution, the consumed ration of Z. Multiflora that used, could not effect on absorption ability via intestinal histological changes.