The effects of Pinus pinaster extract supplementation in low protein broiler diets on performance, some blood and antioxidant parameters, and intestinal histomorphology

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of Pinus pinaster extract (PPE) and encapsulated Pinus pinaster extract (EPPE) supplementation in normal and low protein broiler diets on performance, some blood and antioxidant parameters, and intestinal histomorphology. In the present study, PPE was covered with alginate in order to obtain EPPE. The present research was conducted during 41-days with 288 one-day-old male broiler chicks. Chicks were classified into two groups that had different protein levels, one of with normal, the other one with 10% low protein. Also, normal and low protein level groups were divided into one control and two trial groups. The amount of 100 mg/kg PPE was added to each trial group diet; and the same amount of EPPE was added to other trial group diets. Consequently, compared to PPE and EPPE groups with control, statistically significant differences were observed for body weight and body weight gain in terms of protein on 41-day results (P