Effects of probiotics (Bactosac®) supplementation in drinking water on apparent nutrient digestibility, intestinal histomorphology, carcass percentage and meat quality of broiler chickens

Abstract

This experiment was carried out to investigate the effects of probiotics (Bactosac®) supplementation in drinking water on apparent nutrient digestibility, intestinal histomorphology, and carcass traits of broiler chickens. Ninety six day-old Ross 308 chicks were assigned to a completely randomized design (CRD) in a 2×2 factorial arrangement with two factors. Factor A was sex (male and female), and factor B was supplementation of probiotics in drinking water (no addition, and addition of 5 ml per 5 l of water). According to the results, the supplementation of probiotics in drinking water significantly increased dry matter, crude protein, ether extract and crude fiber in broiler chicken diet (P<0.05), and significantly developed villus height in duodenal and jejunal mucosae compared with those of the group without probiotics supplementation (P<0.05). Additionally, the supplementation resulted in decreased dip loss in chicken meat (P<0.05). Overall, the study suggested that probiotics can be used as growth promoter, and has the potential to enhance nutrient digestibility, intestinal histomorphology, and meat quality in broiler chicken production.