Comparative Study of the Effects of Probiotic and Commercial Enzyme on Growth Rate, Haematology and Serum Biochemistry of Broiler Chicken

Abstract

The study investigated the combined and individual effects of probiotic (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and a commercial enzyme (Zyme ®) on weight gain, haematology and serum biochemistry of broiler chicken. Eighty day-old broiler chicks were randomly divided into 4 groups (P1-P4) of 20 birds each. Each group was subdivided into 5 replicates of 4 birds each. P1 had no probiotic and no enzymes (control). P2 had enzymes in water (0.02 ml/lit) but no probiotic. P3 had enzymes in their water (0.02 ml/lit) and probiotic in their feed (0.8 g/kg). P4 had probiotic in their feed (0.8 g/kg) but no enzymes in their water. The results showed that birds in group P4 had significantly (P ≤ 0.05) higher final mean weight (2.51 ± 0.05 kg/bird) followed by P3 (2.43 ± 0.05 kg/ bird) while P1 (the control) had the least final mean weight (2.31 ± 0.02 kg/bird). There was a significant difference (P<0.05) in Eosinophil levels in P3 (probiotic and enzyme) and P4 (probiotic only). Serum cholesterol significantly (P ≤ 0.05) decreased while total proteins were higher in probiotic treated groups (P3 and P4). P3 (probiotic + enzyme) gained less weight than P4 (Probiotic only), supplementation in the feed with probiotic alone is recommended for improved broiler production in this environment using this type of diet.