Probiotics Improve Physiological Parameters and Meat Production in Broiler Chicks

The present study was planned to probe the effects of a commercial yeast product as a probiotic on growth performance and quality of meat production in broiler birds. For this purpose, 140 broiler chicks (a-day old) were purchased from a local hatchery and reared as per standard housing conditions. After three days of acclimatization, chicks were divided into seven equal groups (A to E). Group A was kept control negative. Groups B1, C1, and D1 were treated with Yeast Guard Pro® @ 1, 1.5, and 2% in feed, respectively. Groups B2, C2, and D2 were first challenged with Newcastle disease virus (NDV) along with 1, 1.5 and 2% of the yeast. Group E was kept as a control and challenged with NDV. Physiological and hemato-biochemical parameters were evaluated. The data obtained were analyzed statistically. A significant increase in the feed intake was observed from 2nd to 5th week of experiment in probiotic supplemented groups as compared. A significant change in hemato-biochemical values were also observed in yeast supplemented group. It was concluded that using Saccharomyces cerevisiae has beneficial effects on broiler chickens' performance and body weight gain. It also has hepatoprotective and immune stimulatory effects even the birds are exposed to Newcastle disease.