Effects of live yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) as a substitute to antibiotic on growth performance, immune function, serum biochemical parameters and intestinal morphology of broilers

This study evaluated the effects of live yeast (LY, Saccharomyces cerevisiae) on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, immune function, antioxidant status and intestinal morphology of broilers. A total of 224, 1 day-old broilers were assigned 4 treatments (7 replications, 8 chicks each) and fed a basal diet control group (CTR); antibiotic group (CTC) fed the basal diets with chlortetracycline at 75 mg/kg; LY-1 and LY-2 groups treated the basal diets with LY at 500 and 1000 mg/kg, respectively. Final body weight was greater (p < 0.05) in LY-2 group compared with the CTR. Crude protein retention was higher (p < 0.05) in both LY groups than that of the CTR. After immunization of birds with Newcastle diseases and Infectious bursal disease vaccine, the antibody titers were higher (p < 0.05) in LY-2 fed group than the CTR or CTC on day 35. Super oxide dismutase and catalase enzyme values were increased (p < 0.05) in LY groups than those of the CTR on day 42. Total cholesterol was lower (p < 0.05) in the LY-2 group than the CTR on day 42. Villus height in jejunum and ileum was higher (p < 0.05) in the LY-2 fed group than the CTR. Live yeast can be useful as a possible alternative to antibiotics in broilers.