Effects of supplementation of probiotics instead of antibiotics to broiler diet on growth performance, nutrient retention, and cecal microbiology.

OBJECTIVES: The research was carried out on broilers to determine the efficacy of probiotics ( Bacillus subtilis and Saccharomyces boulardii combined) supplementation on growth performances, nutrient retention (metabolizable energy, dry matter, and crude protein), and cecal microbiology ( Bifidobacteria spp., Clostridium spp., and coliforms).

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 160 broiler chicks (day-old) were selected and differentiated randomly into 4 groups (T0 , T1 , T2 , and T3 ) (40 × 4) comprising 40 birds in every single group. The control group (T0 ) was fed commercial broiler feed only and the other three groups, referred to as treatment groups (T1 , T2 , and T3 ), were treated with 1 gm ciprofloxacin, 1 gm probiotic, and 1 gm probiotic plus 0.5 gm enzyme, respectively, in per liter of fresh dietary water 8 h daily for 7 days in each phase. Experimental trials were divided into 2 phases, the starter phase from day 0 to 21 and the finisher phase from day 22 to 35.

RESULTS: Bodyweight gain and nutrient retention in experimental broiler birds in treatment groups were significantly ( p < 0.05) higher than the control group. Overall body weight gain and nutrient retention of broiler chicks in treatment groups T2 and T3 were better than T1 . From day 22 to 35, cecal Clostridium and coliform bacterial load counts were significantly lower p < 0.01, p < 0.05, and p < 0.01, respectively, in T1 , T2 , and T3 treatments than T0 . Overall, Clostridium and coliform bacterial counts in the birds of treatment group T2 were significantly lower ( p < 0.05) than T0 .

CONCLUSION: The probiotics, in addition to enzyme supplementation, had suitable influence effects on growth performance of broilers, birds retention of nutrient, and microfloral count in birds' cecum.