Effect of a probiotic blend in broiler chicken diets and its effect on growth performance, carcass traits, and haematological profile

Abstract

The study aimed to assess the effect of  different dietary levels of a probiotic blend  (Probio Enzyme®) during the first 14 days of  age (DOA) or up to 42 DOA, on growth  performance, carcass and digestive tract traits, and haematological profiles of broiler chicks. A total of  540, one-day-old broiler chicks were randomized assigned to nine treatments: four dietary probiotic blend levels (250, 500, 750, and 1,000  g/ton) within two feeding periods (0–14 and 0–42 d, respectively), whereas the ninth treatment was a control diet without any dietary  probiotic supplementation. The feed intake (FI) was found to be higher in broilers fed 1,000 g/ton of probiotic blend when fed during the  first 14 d; however, BW gain and feed efficiency were not influenced by the treatments. Carcasses (deplumed and full) from broilers fed  250 g/ton of probiotic blend (0–14 DOA) were heavier than the other groups; the same was observed for leg portions. Broiler duodenum,  jejunum and ileum weights, and ileum percentage were greater when fed diets without any supplementation. The haematological profile  of broilers was not affected by the dietary treatments.