Effect of dietary supplementation of yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) on performance and hemato-biochemical status of broilers

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation of yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae, SC) on growth performance and hemato-biochemical profile of broilers. A total 240 day old chicks (Cobb 400) were randomly distributed into 4 groups (n=60). Each group further divided into three replicates of 20 chicks each. Group 1 (Control) acted as control and provided with basal diet without SC, Groups 2 (T1), 3 (T2) and 4 (T3) were provided basal diet with SC at 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 g/kg feed, respectively. Initial body weight, feed consumption and feed conversion ratio (FCR) did not differ significantly (P>0.05) among groups. Final body weight and body weight gain were significantly (P<0.05) higher in treatments as compared to control but did not differ significantly among treatments. Dressing %, shank length and hock circumference were higher (P<0.05) in treatments as compared to control group. Haemoglobin, total erythrocyte and leukocyte count were higher (P<0.05) in T3 group as compared to all other groups. Lymphocyte concentration was observed highest (P<0.05) in T3 group as compared to all other groups. Total protein, albumin and globulin concentration was higher (P<0.05) in T3 group as compared to all other groups. Cholesterol concentration was lowest (P<0.05) in T3 group. It is concluded that supplementation of yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) improved the growth performance, blood-biochemistry and lowered the cholesterol level in broilers.