Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effects of L-carnitine and emulsifiers on the intestinal morphology of chickens subjected to high-altitude stress. It focused on parameters including villus height, width, surface area, and lamina propria thickness in the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum to assess their potential for enhancing nutrient absorption and promoting gut health.
Methods: Ninety-one-day-old broiler chicks were raised at 2100 m above sea level for 42 days. They were divided into a control group and eight treatment groups receiving L-carnitine (0.005% or 0.01% of diet) and emulsifiers (0.1% or 0.2% of diet), individually or in combination. Intestinal segments (duodenum, jejunum, and ileum) were collected, fixed, stained, and analyzed to measure villus dimensions, lamina propria thickness, and surface area.
Results: Supplementation with L-carnitine and emulsifiers increased the height and width of villi in the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum (P < 0.05). Higher doses of both additives demonstrated partial effectiveness in enhancing these parameters. There was a significant increase in intestinal surface area across all segments. However, lamina propria thickness decreased in all treated groups compared to the control group (P < 0.05). The weight of birds increased in all treated groups compared to the control group (P < 0.05).
Conclusion: L-carnitine and emulsifiers positively influenced intestinal morphology under high-altitude stress, leading to enhanced villus dimensions and increased surface area. Nonetheless, the observed reduction in lamina propria thickness raises important questions about its implications for intestinal health and warrants further investigation.