Effect of Probiotic Addition in Drinking Water on Body Weight and Body Measurements of Broiler Chickens

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of probiotic addition in drinking water on body weight and body measurements of broiler chickens. The experiment was carried out in half-operation conditions experimental base of Department of Poultry Science and Small Animal Husbandry of Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra in three -floor cage system. A total of 180 one day old chickens (Ross 308) were randomly divided to 3 groups: experimental chickens of E1 group received a probiotic in drinking water with concentration of 1x109 colony forming units (CFU) of Lactobacillus fermentum CCM 7158 in 1 g of nutrient medium and experimental, chickens of E2 group concentration of 2x109 CFU of Enterococcus faecium M 74 in 1 g of nutrient medium. The control group of chickens received drinking water without any additives. The fattening period lasted 42 days. Data of body weight and body measurements (body length, body circumference, keel length, thigh length, and shank length) were recording at ages in 42 day. The results of this study showed that body weight was significantly affected (P0.05). The body measurements was not significantly affected (P>0.05) by addition of probiotic in drinking water.

Keywords

• body measurements
• body weight
• cage
• chicken
• probiotic