Assessing the effect of administering different probiotics in drinking water supplement on broiler performance, blood biochemistry and immune response

Abstract

A study was conducted to evaluate three different probiotics, using drinking water supplemented with protexin, biovet and yoghurt. The day old broiler chicks were randomly divided into 12 separate floor pens each comprising 25 birds and three pens (replicates) per treatment group following completely randomised design. At 28 and 39 days of age body weight (BW) and feed to gain ratio (FCR) were determined. At the end of experiment, nine birds per treatment were sacrificed to evaluate carcass characteristics, abdominal fat contents and the internal organs. Blood haemato-biochemical parameters were determined. Haemagglutination inhibition antibody titres against Newcastle disease virus and lymphoid organs weight/body weight ratio were also determined. The BW of birds given probiotics was significantly greater than control (without probiotics) at both 28 and 39 days of age. Similarly, better FCR was observed in birds those given drinking water with probiotics. There was less mortality recorded with probiotics treatments. Differences in carcass characteristics, organs weight, meat composition and haematological values among all the treatments were non-significant. However, abdominal fat contents reduced significantly in probiotics supplemented groups as compared to control and cholesterol contents were reduced significantly supplemented groups as compared to control at both 21 and 39 days of age. Feeding of probiotics did positively affect the immune system within the parameters measured. It may be concluded that performance, blood chemistry, immunity against disease and economic efficiency in broilers could be maintained when supplementing any probiotic incorporated in broiler’s drinking water. © 2011 Taylor & Francis.