Journal of Basic and Clinical Pathophysiology

Journal of Basic and Clinical Pathophysiology

L-carnitine and emulsifier change the intestinal morphology in chickens under high-altitude stress

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors
Fathollah Farzam Hasani 1
Behnam Ahmadipour 2
Hossein Hassanpour 2
Samira Abaszadeh 1
1 Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, Iran
2 Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, Iran
10.22070/jbcp.2025.20136.1198
Abstract
Background and Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effect 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.
Materials and 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.
Keywords
L-carnitine
Emulsifiers
Intestinal morphology
High-altitude
Nutrient absorption
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Journal of Basic and Clinical Pathophysiology
Volume 14, Issue 2
January 2026
Pages 45-54