Ameliorative Influences of Prebiotic on Productive Performance, Intestinal Microbiota Load, and Immune Response of Broiler Chickens
Ameliorative Influences of Prebiotic on Productive Performance, Intestinal Microbiota Load, and Immune Response of Broiler Chickens
Tanvir Ahmed1, Sachchidananda Das Chowdhury1, Bibek Chandra Roy1Shubash Chandra Das1*, Khan Md. Shaiful Islam2, Bipul Chandra Ray1, Sukumar Saha3
ABSTRACT
Antibiotic overuse, which disturbs poultry’s natural gut flora and fuels the growth of microbial resistance, is now raising concerns for human health. As a result, using antibiotics is swiftly overshadowed by alternatives in order to minimize any lasting effects, combat microbial resistance, and preserve productivity. The study was aimed to investigate the influence of a prebiotic (PB), mannan-oligosaccharides (MOS) enriched with β-glucans, and an antibiotic growth promoter (AGP) on growth performance, intestinal microbial load, and immune response in broiler chickens. A total of 450 Cobb-500 unsexed DOCs were divided in response to the treatment into broilers fed a control diet (no additives), control supplemented with PB (100 g/100 kg feed), or control supplemented with AGP (Lincomycin 2.2%, 15 g/100 kg feed), having six replications in each treatment (25 birds per replication). Growth parameters were recorded. On days 22 and 34, HI antibody titer was determined against Newcastle disease (ND) and ELISA was performed for Infectious Bursal Disease (IBD). On day 35, birds were sacrificed to determine carcass yield and harvest intestinal contents for microbial and histomorphological examination. Live weights and live weight gains were higher (p = 0.05) in PB and AGP groups with the lowest feed intake in AGP (p =0.05). AGP-fed birds had better uniformity than the birds reared on the control diet and this result was similar to that of PB-fed birds. The treated groups had higher dressing yields (p = 0.01). Breast meat yield was increased in the PB-fed group (p = 0.01), with a reduction of abdominal fat (p = 0.01). The duodenal total viable count (TVC) was higher (p = 0.05) in AGP-treated birds. Total E. coli count (TEC) in the duodenum, ileum, and caecum decreased (p = 0.01) in the PB-fed birds. Antibody titer increased significantly (p < 0.05) with PB supplementation in both collections against ND and IBD. Villi length increased (p = 0.05) in the PB-fed group. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of MOS enriched with β-glucans may be considered as a performance enhancer, reducing the pathogenic bacteria load, and boosting the immune response. PB may be a suitable alternative to AGP.
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