The effect of probiotic supplementation on the growth performance, blood biochemistry and immune response of reciprocal F1 crossbred (Rhode Island Red×Fayoumi) cockerels

Abstract

A study was conducted to evaluate three different probiotic levels, using drinking water supplemented with 0 (control), 1, 2 or 3 ml/L of Protexin (probiotic). In a 2 )4 factorial design, 360 of each reciprocal crossbred (Rhode Island Red [RIR] )Fayoumi [FY]) cockerels (six weeks old) were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments. Each diet was offered to three pens of 30 RIR )FY cockerels each or three pens of 30 FY )RIR cockerels each. At 12 weeks of age, body weight (BW) and feed conversion were determined. At the end of 42 d of experiment, 12 birds per treatment were slaughtered to evaluate carcass characteristics, abdominal fat contents and the internal organs. Blood haemato-biochemical parameters were also determined. Haemagglutination inhibtion antibody titres against Newcastle disease virus and lymphoid organs weight/body weight ratio were also determined. The BW and better feed conversion of birds given 3 ml/L of probiotic in drinking water was significantly greater than birds given water without probiotic. The cockerels of FY male )RIR female had higher growth rate than the cockerels of RIR male )FY female in all groups. There was no mortality recorded at higher levels of probiotic in both strains. Differences in carcass characteristics, organs weight, meat composition, haematological values and high-density lipoprotein and low-density lipoprotein concentrations among all the groups were nonsignificant. However, abdominal fat and cholesterol contents were reduced significantly in supplemented groups. Feeding levels of 2Á3 ml/L of probiotic, did positively affect the immune system within the parameters measured. It may be concluded that performance, blood chemistry and immunity against disease in cockerels could be maintained when supplementing high level of probiotic incorporated in crossbred cockerel's drinking water.

Growth performances and meat yield characteristics of commercial cockerels fed antibiotic and probiotic

“…The present research findings are in agreement with a previous study which reported less FI in probiotic-treated cockerel crossbreds [ 15 ], but differ from other reports [ 3 , 11 , 14 , 26 ], who have stated a higher significant FI ( p < 0.05) in probiotic-fed broilers than that of the antibiotic and control groups. However, no influence of various probiotics on the FI of birds was reported in previous studies [ 25 , 27 – 30 ].…”

“…However, they found a similar ADG like the current study. Although a similar BWG and ADG has been reported in egg-type male growing chicken, no significant differences were reported between basal and low probiotics (1 gm/l) fed to crossbreds of Fayoumi and Rhode Island Red cockerels [ 15 , 16 ]. Despite the few studies, the majority of the results stated that probiotics have a greater effect on BWG of the birds than that of antibiotic growth promoters [ 2 , 3 , 11 , 17 – 25 ].…”

“…Experts [ 26 ] have also stated that supplementation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae , a probiotic to birds at three different levels (1, 1.5, and 2%), had improved FCR significantly. However, many previous studies found non-significant differences ( p > 0.05) in FCR of low-level probiotic-treated cockerels (1 gm/l) [ 15 ] and antibiotic-treated broilers [ 10 , 30 , 31 ]. Variation of results in the current research might be because of the compensatory growth pattern of birds, the difference in the use of probiotics and antibiotic mixture, feeding, and management system of birds and geographical location.…”

The Effect of Dietary Inclusion of Probiotics on Growth and Intestinal Morphology of Broiler Chickens

“…Differences between physical and environmental conditions of the trials may also bias the results from these studies (Olnood et al, 2015). Also, an accurate dosage of administration has not yet to be established despite the wide use of probiotics (Khan et al 2013;Li et al, 2014;Abu-Akkada andAwad, 2015 andGetachew, 2016). A continuously giving the probiotics via drinking water to the broiler chicken at whole breeding period may be more trusted way for taking maximum profit from it.…”

Products of Solid-Phase Probiotic Bacilli Fermentation Increase Food Conversion Efficiency and Stimulate Chicken Growth

“…Differences in blood composition were not observed in all the cases of probiotic use in birds. When feeding birds with bacteria of genus Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Pediococcus, there were no significant changes in blood composition (Khan et al, 2013;Al-Saad et al, 2014).…”