O. Zh. Savvateeva, L. I. Drozdova, U. I. Kundryukova
Ural State Agrarian University, Ekaterinburg, Russia
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Volume 26 No. 6
Date of paper submission: 21.03.2026, date of review: 07.04.2026, date of acceptance: 30.04.2026
Published: 06/30/2026
Abstract. Relevance. Follicle atresia is a key mechanism for maintaining the reproductive function of birds, ensuring the selection of high-quality follicles and ovarian homeostasis. Dysregulation of programmed cell death can lead to decreased fertility, hormonal dysfunctions, and oncogenesis. In modern poultry farming, probiotics based on Bacillus subtilis are widely used, but their effect on gonads has not been sufficiently studied. A promising direction is the combination of probiotics with biologically active substances of plant origin, in particular betulin, which has proven antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the effect of a complex feed additive based on Bacillus subtilis, zeolite and betulin on the morphofunctional state of the ovaries and the processes of follicle atresia in broiler chickens. Methods. The experiment was conducted on 80 broiler chickens of the Ross-308 cross (35 days). The control group (n = 40) received the basic ration, the experimental group (n = 40) received an additional feed additive. On day 35, ovaries were selected (n = 5/group), histological examination with hematoxylin-eosin and Van Gieson staining was performed, morphometry was performed with subsequent statistical processing (Student's t-test). Results. A statistically significant increase in the number of follicles growing was found in the experimental group (2.90 ±0.40 versus 1.87 ±0.18 units / field of view; p = 0.020). The control group showed signs of sclerotic changes and undifferentiated areas of ovarian tissue. In the experimental group, the ovarian stroma was well vascularized, the follicle structure was preserved, and there were no signs of degeneration. Scientific novelty. For the first time, a comprehensive histological and morphometric assessment of the effect of the combined Bacillus subtilis supplement with betulin on the ovaries of broiler chickens was carried out. The synergistic effect of the components was revealed: the probiotic creates a favorable systemic background, and betulin has a direct antioxidant and cytoprotective effect on ovarian cells. Practical significance. The expediency of using a complex feed additive to optimize the reproductive health of poultry, increase the efficiency of raising a parent broiler herd and reduce the risk of developing pathological changes in the ovaries is substantiated.
Keywords: poultry farming, broiler chickens, morphology, ovary, follicle, atresia, feed additive “Endem C”, Bacillus subtilis, zeolite, betulin
Acknowledgements. The study was performed within the framework of the research contract dated 04/01/2025 No. 01/04 “Specialized feed additive “Endem C” various compositional compositions, broiler chickens, live weight, safety, hematological studies, immunological studies, liver histology, slaughter parameters, chemical composition of meat and bones”.
For citation: Savvateeva O. Zh., Drozdova L. I., Kundryukova U. I. The effect of a complex feed additive based on Bacillus subtilis with the addition of zeolite and betulin on the processes of ovarian follicle atresia in broiler chickens. Agrarian Bulletin of the Urals. 2026; 26 (06): 1096‒1104. https://doi.org/10.32417/1997-4868-2026-26-06-1096-1104 (In Russ.)
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