This study investigated the effects of different levels (0.05, 0.1, and 0.2%) of yeast culture supplementation on body weight, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, egg production, egg weight, egg quality traits, egg yolk fatty acid composition, and microbiological flora in feces. A total of 240 laying hens at 18-19 weeks of age were divided into four groups and fed a basal diet containing 2750 kcal/kg metabolizable energy and 16% crude protein for 16 weeks. The basal diet was supplemented with 0.05, 0.1, and 0.2% commercial yeast culture product obtained from Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The different levels of yeast culture supplementation to the diets did not statistically affect body weight change among the treatments. However, feed intake was lowest in the group fed 0.2% of yeast culture. The highest egg weights were obtained from the groups fed 0.1 and 0.2% yeast culture, when compared with control group. Regarding fatty acid composition, linolenic acid (C18:2 n6) was lowest in the group fed 0.2% yeast culture. However, yeast culture supplementation to the diet did not alter the microbial flora. Yeast culture (S. cerevisiae) supplementation to the diet of laying hens is beneficial for increasing feed intake and egg weight of laying hens without affecting the microbial flora in their digestive system.

A study was conducted to evaluate the changes in serum biochemical and lipid profile, and fatty acid composition of breast meat of broiler chickens fed supplemental grape seed extract (GSE). A total of 240 1-day-old male broiler chickens were randomly allocated to 4 groups, each consisting of 4 replicate pens having 15 birds/replicate pen. One group served as control group fed basal diets and other groups received 100, 200, and 400 ppm GSE supplemented to the basal diets. Liver weight was greater in broilers fed 200 ppm GSE compared to the other groups (P = 0.004, L = 0.024, C = 0.010). Serum AST and ALT levels decreased (P < 0.001) whereas ALP levels increased with increasing dietary GSE levels (P < 0.001). Serum albumin and total protein levels were lower in control in comparison with other groups (P < 0.001). Serum cholesterol, triglyceride, and LDL levels declined (P < 0.001) while HDL levels increased with increasing supplemental GSE levels (P < 0.001). MUFA levels were greater in breast meat of broiler chickens fed diets supplemented with 100 ppm GSE. On the other hand, PUFA (including n-3 and n-6) were greater in broiler chickens fed control diets or 400 ppm GSE supplemented diets. In general, essential fatty acids such as α-linolenic acid (n-3 C18:3), arachidonic acid (n-6 C20:4), eicosapentaenoic acid (n-3 C20:5), and docosahexaenoic acid (n-3 C22:6) were greater in breast meat of broiler chickens fed supplemental GSE (100, 200, or 400 ppm) while overall UFA concentration in breast meat remained unaffected. In conclusion, findings of this study suggest that dietary supplementation of up to 400 ppm GSE in broilers may improve serum biochemical and lipid profile. It may also improve the fatty acid composition of breast meat to varying extent despite no effect on overall UFA concentration.

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