Haya: The Saudi Journal of Life Sciences (SJLS)
Volume-4 | Issue-07 | 237-240
Original Research Article
Effects of Feeding Varying Concentrations of Bactofort® Probiotics on Growth Performance in Broiler Chickens
Kingsley Chineto Anyika, Filibus Bulus, Mohammed Abdulahi, Usman Rayyanu Adamu, Oluwakayode Nathaniel Akanni, Felix Govwang
Published : Aug. 30, 2019
Abstract
This study was designed to determine the effect of feeding varying concentration of probiotics on growth performance in
broiler chickens. A total of 81 day-old broiler chicks were used for this experiment, they were divided into three groups
of 27 chicks each (n=27). Group A: No probiotics was administered and served as the control, Group B: birds were
administered probiotics in feed at an inclusion rate of 0.5g/kg of feed, Group C: birds were administered probiotics in
feed at an inclusion rate of 1g/kg of feed. Weekly weight gain and feed conversion ratio of each group of chickens was
recorded for the six weeks experimental period. There was statistical significant difference (P≤0.05) in the weight gain
and feed conversion ratio between the two experimental groups of birds (Groups B and C) fed probiotics and Group A
(control) from the forth week to the end of the experiment. Groups B and C chickens had higher live weight and lower
feed conversion ratio than group A chickens at the end of the experiment. However, there was no statistical significant
difference (P≥0.05) in both the live weight and feed conversion ratio between groups B and C, fed different
concentrations of probiotics. In conclusion, the use of probiotics supplemented in feed resulted in a significant increase in
live weight and a lower feed conversion ratio in broiler chickens. It was therefore recommended that broiler chickens
should be administered probiotics to help in weight gain and invariably maximize profit.