Effects of a proprietary blend of Quillaja and Yucca on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and intestinal measurements of broilers

Quillaja saponaria and Yucca schidigera are plants rich in saponins, which present surfactant or detergent properties with molecules containing fat-soluble nucleus and either a steroid or triterpenoid structure. Quillaja and yucca biomass also contain polyphenols, which possess antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Plant-based feed additives have been increasingly used in poultry feeds; therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the effects of an additive containing polyphenols and saponins of a proprietary blend from Q. saponaria and Y. schidigera (QY) biomass on growth performance and carcass yield as well as on nutrient digestibility, blood biochemistry and intestinal measurements of broilers. Broilers were fed a nonsupplemented control diet (Control); Control supplemented with a commercial additive from QY (250 g/ton) from d 1 to 42; Control + QY from d 28 to 42, and Control + QY from d 35 to 42. There were no effects of dietary treatments on BW gain, feed intake, carcass yield, and blood biochemistry parameters; however, from d 1 to 42, birds fed QY during the overall period had lower FCR compared to the Control. Intestinal permeability was reduced with QY, whereas higher ileal digestibility of DM, nitrogen and energy as well as higher villus height and lower crypt depth were obtained when broilers were fed QY from d 28 to 42. In conclusion, the quillaja and yucca biomass additive improved jejunal morphometric, intestinal permeability and nutrient digestibility of broilers, and these effects were associated with the improved FCR. The additive demonstrated satisfactory results on nutrient digestibility and villus height when supplemented in grower and finisher diets for broilers.