Mokhtar Fathi; Taimour Tanha; Naji Ahmadi
Abstract
This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of different levels of prebiotic (Fermacto) on performance and some blood parameters of broiler chicks under induced ascites. 240-old chicks from Ross 308 strain were randomly divided into three treatments and each treatment was divided into four ...
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This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of different levels of prebiotic (Fermacto) on performance and some blood parameters of broiler chicks under induced ascites. 240-old chicks from Ross 308 strain were randomly divided into three treatments and each treatment was divided into four replicates. The dietary treatments included: control and two levels (2 and 4 g/kg feed) of prebiotic (Fermacto). For ascites induction, all birds received 1.5 grams salt per liter from day 6 to day 13. The relative weight of the intestines was measured relative to the body weight at end of experiment. The birds of the negative treatments were subjected to an induction program. Prebiotic supplements were added to the feed from the 12th day of the experiment. Both prebiotic levels significantly reduced feed intake & reduced feed conversion and increased weight gain in comparison with control treatment (P<0.05). Both prebiotic levels significantly decreased the hemoglobin, red blood cells, protein and hematocrit in birds were induced ascites (P<0.05). Both prebiotic levels significantly decreased ascites and RV / TV index (P<0.05). The results of intestinal morphology indicated that the weight of the intestines (dissected from below the gizzard to the ileal cecal junction) was not significantly different between the experimental groups. in Conclusion, it is possible to successfully use a 2gg/kg diet of prebiotic (Fermacto) in broiler chickens as an effective factor in reducing functional problems and ascites mortality.
