The Effects of Chicory Aqueous Extract on Antioxidant Capacity, Immune Response, and Intestinal Function in Broilers

Abstract

Simple Summary Sustainable broiler production is essential to secure adequate supplies of high-quality animal protein. However, long-term administration of florfenicol in broiler production leads to retarded growth, immunosuppression, intestinal damage, and bacterial resistance. The objective of this study was to compare the effects of chicory aqueous extract (CAE) and florfenicol exposure on the physiological status of broilers. The trial results showed that CAE exerted dose-dependent beneficial effects, with efficacy increasing as the supplemental dose increased. It significantly improved broilers’ growth efficiency, immune status, and antioxidant capacity, optimized jejunal morphology, increased digestive enzyme activity, reinforced intestinal mucosal barriers, enriched microbiota including Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, and further optimized intestinal microbiota composition. In comparison, florfenicol caused comprehensive impairment of broilers’ physiological functions, and the supplementation dose of 2.5 g/L achieved the optimal comprehensive effect. This study shows that CAE shows promise as a phytogenic intervention for improving broiler health and reducing unnecessary antimicrobial use in poultry production.