Effect of probiotics on the performance of broiler chicks

A 6 week trial was conducted to study the effect of probiotic supplementation on the performance of broiler chicks. Day old commercial broiler chicks (100) randomly allotted to two equal groups (two replicates of 25 chicks each) were offered either a control diet (T₁) or a probiotic (50mg/kg feed) supplemented diet (T₂). Feeding of probiotic supplemented diet significantly (P<0.05) improved the body weight gain and feed efficiency than that of control. Supplementation of probiotic had no effect on dressing yield, giblet weight, abdominal fat, intestinal length and weight and serum protein. However, a significant (P<0.05) reduction in cholesterol levels were observed due to the feeding of probiotic supplemented diets.