EFFECT OF DIETARY SUPPLEMENTATION OF MULTI-STRAIN PROBIOTIC ON BROILER GROWTH PERFORMANCE

    The effects of a multi-strain probiotic (protexin) on broiler growth performance, carcass parameters and economic efficiency were studied. For this purpose, 270 day-old broiler chicks were randomly divided into three experimental groups A, B and C, with 90 chicks in each group having three replicates. Group A was fed commercial broiler diet without supplementation of protexin  (control) and groups B and C were fed diets containing protexin 100 and 110g/t in starter and 50 and 55 g/t in finisher diets, respectively. Feed and water were offered ad libitum. The results showed that weight gain and feed conversion ratio were significantly (p<0.05) improved in chicks fed on protexin-supplemented diets compared to control diets. Weight gain of the chicks fed on diet C was significantly (p<0.05) better than chicks on diet B. Feed conversion ratio was non-significantly different in both the protexin-supplemented groups. Differences in feed intake, meat composition, dressing percentage and empty organ weights among all the diets were non-significant. However, abdominal fat content was reduced significantly (P<0.05) in supplemented groups. The study suggests that protexin supplementation is beneficial for better weight gains, feed efficiency and economic efficiency in broiler chicks.