Effects of dietary supplementation of kefir on body measurements, weight of visceral organs, and gut morphology in geese

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study was designed to evaluate the effects of adding kefir on body measurements, giblet weight, and gut morphological patterns of geese through drinking water. A total of 54 birds were divided into three groups, each comprising 18 birds, and each group was further divided into three subgroups containing six birds each. One group served as the control group, while the other two groups were given kefir-treated drinking water at the ratios of 2.5 and 7.5%, respectively. No significant effects of kefir supplementation on body measurements, spleen weight, bursa weight, and gut morphology were observed. It is concluded that kefir may be used in poultry feed with an inclusion rate of 7.5% without imposing any adverse effect on the measurements of body structures, weights of visceral organs, and gut morphology.

Keywords

• crypt depth
• geese
• natural alternatives
• probiotic
• villus length