antibiotic and butyrate (0.4 or 0.6%) diet compared to either
control or 0.2% butyrate. Though no difference in villus
length was found between control and antibiotic fed group,
crypt depth was reduced in the antibiotic fed group
compared to control (Table 4). The villi length and crypth
depth in duodenum increased significantly in all the
butyrate treated diets irrespective of the levels tested. No
difference on the above parameters could be noticed due to
the concentrations of butyrate (0.2-0.6%) in the diet.
The dressing percentage and abdominal fat content was
influenced by the butyric acid treatments employed in the
present study (Table 5). Dressing percentage increased and
abdominal fat content decreased significantly in all the
butyrate treatment groups compared to either control or
furazolidone group. The relative weights of liver, gizzard
and breast meat were not influenced by the dietary
treatments.