Supplementation of curcumin promotes the intestinal structure, immune barrier function and cecal microbiota composition of laying hens in early laying period

The pre-laying period is crucial for laying hens, characterized by significant physiological changes and increased energy demands. To meet these demands, the intestinal tract must efficiently digest and absorb a variety of nutrients, highlighting the importance of maintaining intestinal health and function. Curcumin, a natural plant-derived extract, has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and immunomodulatory properties, which enhance intestinal digestion, absorption, and barrier function. This present study investigated the effects of curcumin on the intestinal structure, immune barrier function and cecal microbiota composition of laying hens in early laying period. In this study, a total of 180 Snowy White chickens (154 days old) were randomly allotted into five experimental groups with six replicates each. The chickens were fed curcumin at 0 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, 300 mg/kg, and 400 mg/kg inclusion levels for 12 weeks. The results indicated that curcumin significantly improved the intestinal morphological structure (P<0.05) and mRNA expression of digestive enzymes (P<0.05), enhanced the digestive and absorptive function of the gut. Additionally, curcumin significantly improved the intestinal antioxidant capacity (P<0.05), immune function (P<0.05), intestinal immune barrier function (P<0.05), and the gut microbiota composition (P<0.05). Taken together, curcumin supplementation significantly enhanced the intestinal structure, immune barrier function and cecal microbiota profile of laying hens in their early laying period.