The effects of rosmarinic acid and antibiotics on the intestinal morphology, function, and cecal microbiota of broiler chickens.

ABSTRACT: While both rosmarinic acid (RA) and antibiotics (Abx) demonstrate growth-promoting effects, their mechanisms of action differ significantly. This study comparatively evaluated the effects of RA and Abx on the intestinal morphology, function, and cecal microbiota in broilers. 180 one-day-old broilers were divided into three groups and fed a basal diet or basic diet supplemented with RA (100 mg/kg) or Abx (100 mg/kg, composed of vancomycin, metronidazole, kanamycin, and ampicillin in a 0.5:1:1:1 ratio). The experimental birds were housed in single-layer cages at a density of 20 birds/m2, with ad libitum access to both feed and water. On day 21, chickens were euthanized with subsequent collection of blood, intestinal tissues, and cecal digesta for analyses. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA

SUBMITTER: Ding X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12573083 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature