Maximizing Performance with Safe Meat Production of Broiler by Feeding Enzyme Supplemented Antibiotic Free Diet

Abstract

The present work aimed at studying growth performance, carcass traits, and health status in broiler chicken-fed enzyme over a period of 4 weeks. A total of 300 day-old Lohmann broilers were randomly assigned to five treatment groups, each with 3 replicates (20). T1, T2, and T3 were provided as 0.05 %, 0.1 %, and 0.15 % of the enzyme. Whereas T4 and T5 were antibiotic and control, respectively. The results revealed no significant (P<0.05) difference in feed intake (T4 - 2182.50bg and T2 - 2227.00 abg) and live weight (T5 - 1897.50a g and T1 - 1790.50b). The highest survivability percent was found in the enzyme supplemented group (T1, T2 &T3- 100 %). Highest hemoglobin (T2 - 9.0 gm/dl), RBC (T2-3.9mill/cum), WBC (T1-14475 mill/cum), lymphocytes (T1 - 38.50 %), Monocytes (T1 - 2.00 %) PCV (39.96 %), MCV (T1 - 88.58), MCH (T2 - 30.85 Pg) and MCHC (T2 - 32.80) were found highest in the enzyme-treated groups, which is an indication of good health. E. coli and salmonella spp. The count was significantly (P<0.05) lower in birds fed a 0.15 % enzyme supplemented diet and with a descending order of 0.1 % and 0.5 % enzyme level. Salmonella sp. and E Coli count was also significantly (p<0.05) higher in birds fed control and antibiotic. The results of the study demonstrate the beneficial effects of supplementing enzymes on body weight gain and dressed yield in the treated groups in broiler chicken. An enzyme is, therefore, suggested to be used as an alternative to antibiotics on broiler chicken rations for higher profitability.