Effect of Different Levels of Postbiotic and Phytobiotic Combination on Growth Performance, Economic Production, and Immune Response of Broiler Chickens

Abstract

Postbiotics are byproducts originating from probiotic-driven fermentation in the intestines. As probiotics digest prebiotics, they produce postbiotics, which are essentially the remnants of probiotic function. Postbiotics, as non-living cells, enhance broiler performance by providing organic and fatty acids, minerals, and vitamins. Phytobiotic additives advance digestion, immunity, appetite, bactericidal and antiviral traits, and antioxidant activity. These benefits collectively enhance animal product quality and growth. The goal of the study is to determine the optimal level of postbiotic and phytobiotic combinations to use as antibiotic alternatives to improve the immune system and economic production in broiler chickens. A total of 288 one-day-old unsexed chicks from a Ross 308 cross were randomly assigned to six treatments and four replicates, and each replicator had twelve birds. The experimental groups include Ncontrol ¼ negative control (basal diet), P-control ¼ basal diet þ 0.01% Doxin200 (positive control) (w/w), 0.1% Pos þ Phy ¼ basal diet þ 0.05% thyme oil (v/w) þ 0.05% postbiotic, 0.2% Pos þ Phy ¼ basal diet þ 0.1% thyme oil (v/ w) þ 0.1% postbiotic, 0.3% Pos þ Phy ¼ basal diet þ basal diet þ 0.15% thyme oil (v/w) þ 0.15% postbiotic, and 0.4% Pos þ Phy ¼ basal diet þ 0.2% thyme oil (v/w) þ 0.2% postbiotic. The broiler European index was greatly improved, particularly at levels of 0.3% Pos þ Phy and 0.4% Pos þ Phy, which corresponded to 385.38 and 351.57, respectively. Growth performance generally improved, with significant body weight gain and a low feed conversion ratio shown in birds fed 0.3% and 0.4% Pos þ Phy, and the live body weight of birds fed combination was significantly (p < 0.05) higher compared to N-Control and p-Control. The titer of antibodies against Newcastle and infectious bursal disease was significantly increased in the bird's group given postbiotic and phytobiotics, especially at levels of 0.3 and 0.4% Pos þ Phy in comparison to birds in the P-control and N-control. In summary, the ongoing incorporation of postbiotics and phytobiotics into broiler diets can lead to a synergistic effect, promoting enhanced growth, improved economic production, and bolstered immune responses in broiler chickens.

Keywords

• probiotics byproduct, thyme oil, combination of pos þ phy, broiler performance, new feed additives