Effects of Selected Probiotics and Synbiotics on Growth Performance and Blood- biochemical Changes in Broiler Chickens

Abstract

In broiler production, probiotics and synbiotics have been introduced as a replacement for antibiotic growth promoter. The study investigated the effects of selected probiotics and synbiotics on body weight and blood-biochemical parameters in broiler chickens. A total of 48, day-old “Lohman” broiler chicks were reared for 28 days. At day 13, the chicks were randomly divided into four equal groups: A, B, C, and D (n=12 in each group). The group A was considered as non-treated control. Group B was supplemented antibiotic (ciprofloxacin) with water. Group C and D were supplied with probiotics at a dose rate of 1 g/L and synbiotics 1.2 g/L, respectively through drinking water. Synbiotics treated broilers had significantly (p<0.05) higher live body weight and lower feed conversion ratio (FCR). Total erythrocyte count (TEC), hemoglobin concentration (Hb), and packed cell volume (PCV) were significantly (p<0.05) higher in the probiotics and synbiotics treated groups than in the control group. Broilers supplemented with probiotics and synbiotics had higher levels (p<0.01) of serum alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST). Serum total cholesterol (TC) and triglycerides (TG) were significantly lower in the probiotics and synbiotics supplemented group than in the control group, while HDL cholesterol was significantly (p<0.05) higher in the treated group. It can be concluded that this study aids to understand of the use of probiotics and synbiotics those have a positive effect on body weight and the hemato-biochemical profile in broiler chickens.