The effects of <i>Saccharomyces cerevisiae</i> on the morphological and biomechanical characteristics of the tibiotarsus in broiler chickens

Abstract

Abstract. The aim of this study is to examine the effects of different levels of the feed supplement Saccharomyces cerevisiae, a yeast metabolite, on broiler tibiotarsus traits and to reduce leg problems by identifying the pathological changes in leg skeletal system. Thus, reducing leg disorders due to the skeletal system, the cause of significant economic losses in our country (Turkey), was investigated by the supplementation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae in broiler feed.In the study, 300 male day-old, Ross 308 broiler chicks were used. Experiment groups were designed as follows: control; 0.1 % Saccharomyces cerevisiae; 0.2 % Saccharomyces cerevisiae; 0.4 % Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The experimental diets were chemically analyzed according to the methods of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists. Twelve groups were obtained, including three replicates for each experimental group. Each replicated group was comprised of 25 chicks, and thus 75 chicks were placed in each experimental group. After 42 days, broiler chickens were slaughtered. Tibiotarsi were weighed with a digital scale, and the lengths were measured with a digital caliper after the drying process. Cortical areas were measured with the ImageJ Image Processing and Analysis Program. A UTEST Model-7014 tension and compression machine and a Maxtest software were used to determine the bone strength of the tibiotarsus. The severity of the tibial dyschondroplasia lesion was evaluated as 0, +1, +2 and +3. Crude ash, calcium and phosphorus analyses were performed to determine the inorganic matter of tibiotarsi. For radiographic evaluations of epiphyseal growth plates, tibiotarsi from the right legs were photographed in lateral and craniocaudal positions and examined. Statistical analyses were performed with the SPSS statistics program.It was observed that the use of Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a feed supplement led to an increase in the bone traits of broiler chickens. Optimum results for bone mineral content, biomechanical traits and strength were provided by the addition of 0.2 % Saccharomyces cerevisiae in broiler feed.As a result, the use of yeast as feed supplements in broilers is considered to be an economic and convenient way of providing animal welfare and preventing commercial losses due to leg problems.

Efficacy of Various Feed Additives on Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, Bone Quality, Blood Constituents, and Phosphorus Absorption and Utilization of Broiler Chickens Fed Low Phosphorus Diet

“…The ability of SC to encourage tibia ash and P concentrations could be related to the phytase-like activity of SC, which enabled better utilization of phytate P [ 31 ]. Suzer et al [ 61 ] observed that SC supplementation at a level of 0.2% resulted in higher tibia ash content and greater breaking strength than the control diet. Improved tibia breaking strength and mineralization in the supplemented groups were associated with greater cortical area thickness.…”

Effects of Yeast (Saccharomyces Cerevisiae) Probiotics Supplementation on Bone Quality Characteristics in Young Japanese Quail (Coturnix Japonica): The Role of Sex on the Action of the Gut-Bone Axis

“…In broiler chickens fed a low-calcium diet supplemented with yeast (0.2%), an increase in tibia length and weight was observed, but these changes did not influence the Seedor index or bone mechanical strength [8]. Ambiguous results were also obtained by Suzer et al [42], where broiler chickens fed diets containing 0.1%, 0.2%, and 0.4% S. cerevisiae displayed increased tibia weight, length, and cortical area as well as a reduction in bone breaking strength, all of which were dose-dependent. On the other hand, Plavnik and Scott [46] reported that when complete broilers' diet was supplemented with 2.5 and 5.0% brewer's dried yeast, improvements in leg weaknesses were observed: chickens were characterized with stronger bones and lower incidence of tibial dyschondroplasia.…”

“…Calcitriol, the active form of vitamin D, increases calcium absorption from the intestine by the enterocytes, through an increase in the production of calcium transport proteins [41]. Increased levels of serum calcium, resulting from calcitriol promoted intestinal uptake, can counterbalance bone calcium losses resulting from hormonal stimulation of osteoclasts [42]. However, this effect of S. cerevisiae supplementation was probably not observed in our study since there was no increase in calcium serum concentrations observed in the groups supplemented with S. cerevisiae [16].…”