Abstract
A total of 264, one-day old chicks were randomly dispensed into 4 groups to assess effects of the probiotic MiaClost (Bacillus subtilis and Entrococus feacium) on broiler performance, blood values and small intestinal morphology of broilers. Chicks in treatment groups T1, T2, T3 received 0.160 gm, 0.175 gm and 0.190 gm MiaClost per litre of drinking water respectively, whereas the control chicks received additives-free drinking water. Body weight, feed intake, weight gain, and feed conversion ratios (FCR) were recorded on a weekly basis on days 7, 14, 21, 28 and 35. At end of the experiment, blood samples were collected from 12 birds in each group to determine some hematological values including RBCs count, WBCs count, haemoglobin, hematocrit, MCV, MCH and MCHC. In addition, small intestine biopsies were obtained to assess the small intestinal morphology. Significant proportional increase in level of feed intake was apparent in accordance with the increase in level of probiotics supplementation. No significant variation was apparent in the levels of FCR among chicks in different groups. Probiotics supplementation resulted in improvement in weights and weight gain of chickens. No significant variation was seen on hematological values among birds in all groups. A positive MiaClost’s effect was apparent on height & width of the intestinal villi and on depth of mucosal crypts in all treatment groups particularly treatment groups 2 and 3 in comparison with the control group. These results showed that the MiaClost supplementation in drinking water has improved the performance of broiler chicks and has enhanced the lining epithelial cells proliferation and increased the absorptive surface area of the small intestine.
