Dietary Berberis vulgaris extract enhances intestinal mucosa morphology in the broiler chicken (Gallus gallus)

To determine the effect of Berberis vulgaris extract on the intestinal morphology, 1-day-old broiler chickens had their diet supplemented with 2 and 4 % barberry water extract for 3 days. On day 45, all chicks in each group were killed and morphometric analysis of the intestine was performed. The duodenal villous length and surface area were significantly (P 0.05). In conclusion, barberry water extract supplementation, particularly at a value of 4 %, can increase the majority of the intestinal architecture in broiler chickens.