Abstract:
The effects of different levels of pro biotic (Lactobacillus acidophilus,
Streptococcus faecium and Yeasacc 1026) supplementation• at 0.025 and
0.05 per cent of the ration on the performance of broiler chicken were
evaluated using 144, one-day old, commercial broiler chicks for a period of
eight weeks. The birds were divided into three dietary treatment groups
viz., standard broiler ration (T 1), standard broiler ration with 0.025
per cent probiotic (T 2) and standard broiler ration with 0.05 per cent
probiotic (T3). Standard broiler ration was formulated as per Bureau of
Indian Standards (1992) specification for broiler chicken feed. The 0.025
per cent probiotic supplemented birds showed a significantly higher
(P<0.05) body weight upto six weeks of age. At the end of eight weeks of
age, the 0.05 per cent probiotic fed birds grew faster. The body weight gain
was significantly higher in 0.025 per cent probiotic supplemented group
upto six weeks of age but was statistically non-significant upto eight weeks
of age. The feed intake was not statistically significant throughout the
experimental period. Eventhough the feed efficiency was significantly
(P<0.01) better in the group fed with 0.025 per cent probiotic at the end of
second week, it was statistically non-significant at sixth and eighth weeks
of age. The protein efficiency was not significantly different throughout
the experimental period. The serum cholesterol levels were significantly
(P<0.01) reduced in both the probiotic supplemented groups. The serum
protein level was not affected by probiotic supplementation. The
processing Yields did not show any significant difference among
treatments. The mortality percentage was not affected by treatments.
Cost of production of broilers in the 0.025 per cent probiotic group was
lower when compared with other two groups at the end of six weeks of age,
while it was lower in the 0.05 per cent probiotic supplemented group at the
end of eight weeks of age.
It can be concluded that probiotic supplementation in standard
broiler ration at a lower level was beneficial in the early stages of growth.
