Supplementation of Broiler’s Rations By Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Prebiotic: Effect Of Breeding Stages On Growth Performances And Caecal Microbiota
Effect of prebiotic incorporation period on growth performance and caecal microbiota
Abstract
This study aims to investigate the effect of a dietary supplementation with Saccharomyces cerevisiae-derived prebiotic at different growth phases on growth performance and the caecal microbiota of broilers. A total of 192 male chicks Arbor Acres (n=8 chickens/cage) were divided into three groups: the first group was considered as a control and received a basal diet (T0). The second group was fed with a 2 g prebiotic /kg ration during the starter period (first two weeks) (T1). The third group received a basal diet supplemented with a 2 g prebiotic /kg ration until the fifth week of rearing (T2). Body weight, feed intake were recorded for three representative growth periods per weeks 0–3, 4-6, and 0–6 and bodyweight gains (DWG), and feed conversion ratios (FCR) were then calculated. At 7, 21, and 35 days of age, eight birds were selected from each group, and slaughtered after 12 h fasting. After dressing, the intestinal tract was directly eliminated. The caecum content was evacuated to perform microbiological analysis (lactic acid bacteria, total coliforms, and Escherichia coli). The results showed a significant decrease (P =0.04) in FCR during the period from 0 to 3 weeks and the whole period was observed in the T2 group. The microbiological analysis showed an increase in Lactobacillus, and a decrease in Escherichia coli and total coliforms, in the group T2 that received prebiotic during the fifth week (P <0.001). On day 21 of the experiment, the count of Lactobacillus was higher in the group T2 (6.40±0.01; P <0.001). Escherichia coli and Coliforms counts were higher in broilers subjected to control diet and T1 (P <0.001).
In conclusion, the addition of Saccharomyces cerevisiae-derived prebiotic during the fifth week of rearing can improve chickens’ live performances through a selective effect on caecal microflora, leading to better protection against pathogens.
