Evaluation of intestinal morphology and nitric oxide metabolites in broiler chickens supplemented by green tea

To determine the effect of green tea on the intestinal morphology and nitric oxide production, broiler chicks were reared since they were a day old and supplemented by 2% and 4% green tea for 4 weeks. Serum amounts of NO metabolites in the green-tea-supplemented groups were lower than controls but were only significant (P < 0.05) in 4% green tea-supplemented group. The duodenum villous length and surface area were significantly (P < 0.05) greater in the group supplemented by 4% green tea than control. It was observed significant (P < 0.05) decreasing of lamina propria and increasing of muscle layer thickness at the duodenum villous in the green tea-supplemented groups. The jejunum villous length and surface area significantly (P < 0.05) increased in green-tea-supplemented groups compared with control group. In conclusion, green tea supplementation reduces NO metabolites (as free radical) and increases most of the intestinal architecture in the growing broiler chickens. © Springer-Verlag London Limited 2009.