Growth performance, nutrients digestibility, caecum microbiota, antioxidant status and immunity of broilers as influenced by kombucha fermented on white sugar or sugar beet molasses

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of fermented kombucha on green tea with white sugar or sugar beet molasses in broiler chickens. Birds (n = 448) were randomly allotted into seven treatments of four replicates each. Treatments were included: tap water with no kombucha (Control), water containing 3 ml/100 ml kombucha based on white sugar (SK3%), water containing 6 ml/100 ml kombucha based on white sugar (SK 6%), water containing 3 ml/100 ml kombucha based on sugar beet molasses (MK3%), water containing 6 ml/100 ml kombucha based on sugar beet molasses (MK6%), SK 3%+MK 3% and SK 6%+MK 6%. Except for SK3%, all birds received SK or MK in their drinking water had greater (p ≤ .05) BWG than control. Feed intake increased (p ≤ .05) in SK6% group in comparison to the control. All SK or MK treatments resulted in lower (p ≤ .05) FCR in comparison with the control. Birds received the MK6% and SK6%+MK6% treatments showed greater (p<.05) apparent ileal digestibility of CP. ALT levels decreased (p ≤ .05) in birds received all kombucha treatments. The SK and MK treatments decreased (p ≤ .05) total coliform counts in caecum whereas the lactobacillus population increased (p ≤ .05) in birds received 6% of SK, MK or their combination. The SK6%+MK6% and MK6% groups had greater (p ≤ .05) antibody titre against NDV. Plasma and liver activities of CAT and SOD were greater (p ≤ .05) in kombucha treatments in comparison with the control group. In conclusion, kombucha fermented on white sugar or sugar beet molasses showed growth promoting effect in broilers and addition of 6 ml fermented kombucha on sugar beet molasses per 100 ml of drinking water result in the best performance. Highlights Kombucha can improve performance in broilers Kombucha can improve intestinal morphology and caecum microbiota in broilers Kombucha can improve antioxidant status in broilers