Effect of Emulsifier on Intestinal Flora and Immune Function of Broilers

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of adding emulsifier on intestinal flora and immune function of broilers. A total of 640 1-day-old Arbor Acres (AA) broilers were randomly divided into four groups, 8 replicates each group, 20 chickens each replicate. Test group 1 for the positive control group,fed with the diet for normal fats horizontal, test group 2 for the negative control group, contained lipid less 0.5% than positive control, test group 3 fed with emulsifier 1, was below the normal level of lipid supplemented with 0.05% emulsifier 1, test group 4 fed with emulsifier 2, was below the normal level of lipid supplemented with 0.05% emulsifier 2. On day 42, the blood, immune organs and digesta in ileum and cecum of broilers were collected for detecting the targets. The results showed that the different emulsifiers deceased the number of Clostridium perfringens in cecum (P<0.05), but had effect on Escherichia coli (P>0.05). Emulsifiers increased the spleen index and bursa of Fabricius index, respectively (P<0.05), but not effect for thymus index (P>0.05), and emulsifiers also enhanced the serum levels of IgA and IgM of broilers (P<0.05).The results suggested that adding emulsifier in the lower lipid diet could improve the intestinal flora and immune function of broilers.