The Impact of Heat Stress on Intestinal Health in Broiler Chickens – Phyto-therapeutic Perspectives
Keywords:
broiler chickens, gut health phytogenic additives,Abstract
One of the most significant challenges facing modern poultry farming is heat stress, a phenomenon that is becoming increasingly prevalent due to climate change. Exposure to high temperatures in broiler chickens disrupts intestinal homeostasis, leading to microbiological, structural, and functional changes that affect both growth performance and welfare. Oxidative stress induced by heat stress increases intestinal permeability and alters the morphology of intestinal villi, thereby compromising the integrity of the intestinal barrier and promoting the onset of an inflammatory response mediated by pro-inflammatory cytokines. A complementary strategy to mitigate the effects of high temperatures involves the use of phytogenic compounds, as they are credited with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and immunomodulatory properties. Phyto-therapeutic interventions contribute to improving the antioxidant system, restoring intestinal morphology, and stabilizing the gut microbiota, with the ultimate effect being improved nutrient absorption. This paper aims to synthesize current information regarding the impact of heat stress on intestinal physiology and to highlight the role of phytotherapy as an effective strategy for maintaining intestinal health.
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