DETERMINING THE EFFECT OF VITAMIN E AND PURSLANE SEED ON THE INTESTINAL HEALTH AND PHYSIOLOGY OF GOLDEN HEN

Abstract

This study evaluated the impact of Portulaca oleracea (purslane) seed and vitamin E supplementation on intestinal health and physiological performance in golden chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus). Thirty-five hens were randomly divided into five groups (A–E), with seven hens per group. Four treatment groups received different doses of purslane seed (12g, 18g, 24g, and 30g per 250g crumble feed) along with a constant dose of vitamin E (0.5g per 5L water), while the control group received no supplementation. The trial lasted 28 days. Results revealed that supplementation improved intestinal health, with Group B (18g purslane) showing the highest intestinal weight (50.67 ± 3.26g), compared to the control (48.08 ± 2.35g) and Group A (lowest, 46.06 ± 10.96g). Blood amylase levels were highest in Group C (410.66 ± 1.20 U/L), suggesting enhanced digestive enzyme activity, while Group D (30g purslane) had reduced amylase (365.66 ± 3.48 U/L), indicating possible enzymatic imbalance at higher doses. Further, supplementation improved gut morphology (villus height and crypt depth), increased beneficial gut bacteria, and boosted immune responses through elevated immunoglobulin and cytokine levels. Vitamin E also contributed to oxidative stress reduction. The findings support the use of purslane seed and vitamin E as functional feed additives to enhance intestinal health, immune function, and overall productivity in poultry. This natural nutritional approach holds promise for reducing reliance on antibiotics and improving the quality of poultry products.