Research progress on the mechanism of natural plant active ingredients on intestinal health of broilers.

Intestinal health is closely related to the growth and production of broilers, and intestinal flora is one of the important factors affecting intestinal health. The imbalance of intestinal flora could cause intestinal dysfunction, reduce the growth performance of broilers, and seriously restrict the healthy development of the poultry industry. Natural plant active compositions (NPBCs) as antibiotic substitutes can promote broiler growth by modulating gut health. The article gives an overview of NPBCs, and reviews the immune regulation mechanism of NPBCs on broiler chicken gut microbes, as well as their effects on broiler chickens' intestinal digestive enzymes, intestinal barrier function, intestinal tissue morphology and intestinal microflora. In order to provide reference for the research and development and application of feed additives to promote the intestinal health of broilers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]