Replacement of fishmeal with yeast nucleotide on the performance in ducklings

Present work reports the influence of yeast nucleotide supplementation on the performance and gut health of khaki Campbell ducklings. One hundred thirty five day –old Khaki Campbell ducklings were randomly distributed into three groups having three replicates of 10 ducklings in each group. Control (C) birds were offered standard basal diet and treatments (T₁ and T₂) were having diets with yeast nucleotide 25% and 50% iso-nitrogenous replacement of fish meal. Yeast nucleotide supplementation increased (P<0.05), live weight gain throughout the experimental period. Cumulative feed intake was higher (P< 0.05) in treatment groups compared with control. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) was better in treatment groups. (P<0.05). Significantly better performance was observed in T₂ where fishmeal was replaced with yeast nucleotide. Yeast nucleotide supplementation significantly increased (P< 0.05) villus height of different segment of small intestine compared with control. Use of yeast nucleotide in the diet resulted in increased feed intake and body weight gain and thus improved feed conversion ratio. It also improved villus height in the intestine and, hence better nutrient utilization.