Summary: 

A study was conducted at a private trial farm in Tamil Nadu, India to examine the impact of Bio-Org+® WS on the performance of broiler chickens. Four hundred and eight day-old cobb400 chicks were divided into four treatment groups, with three replicates and an equal number of males and females in each group. The treatment groups consisted of a commercially available probiotic and prebiotic product (T1), another commercially available probiotic and prebiotic product (T2), Bio-Org+® WS (T3), and antibiotics (Neomycin and Doxycycline) (T4). All treatments were administered through drinking water for seven days. Throughout the trial, the birds had unrestricted access to feed and water. The T3 (Bio-Org+® WS) and T4 (antibiotics) groups exhibited higher body weight gain (2403g and 2418g, respectively) compared to the T1 (2.343g) and T2 (2.360g) groups. The T3 group also showed improved feed conversion ratio, flock uniformity, reduced feed intake, and lower production cost compared to the other treatment groups. Overall, the inclusion of Bio-Org+® WS in the broiler diet enhanced the performance of broiler chickens and increased economic returns for the farmers. 

 

Materials and Methods:

The experiment took place at a private trial farm in Kattuputhur, Tiruchirappalli district, Tamil Nadu. Bio-Org+® WS, a blend of viable multi-species probiotics and prebiotics, was used to maintain a balanced microflora in the gastrointestinal tract of the birds. The broiler chicks used in the experiment were of the Cobb400 strain, and they were randomly divided into four treatment groups with three replicates. Each replicate consisted of 34 birds, including an equal number of males and females. The treatments were administered through drinking water from the first day until the seventh day of the trial, starting at 6 a.m. each day. The chicks were housed in separate deep litter pens, and they were provided with ad libitum feed and water throughout the study. 

 

Performance Parameters :

The performance of broilers was monitored by recording the body weight gain; feed intake and FCR on weekly basis. The weights of any dead birds were considered in calculating the average weight gain, feed intake, and FCR. The individual body weights of each bird were recorded using a digital top pan weighing balance with an accuracy of 0.01g. Additionally, daily feed intake was recorded, and any leftover feed was weighed and mixed with the day's feed quota. Feed efficiency was determined based on the feed intake and body weight gain. At the end of the trial, one male and one female bird from each pen were slaughtered to obtain villi samples for villi length analysis.

 

Results:

The results of the trial, which involved 408 birds divided into four treatment groups with three replicates, demonstrated significant differences in various growth parameters. Feed intake varied among the treatment groups at different weeks, with the T3 group (4.004g) showing lower intake compared to the T1 (4.110g), T2 (4.113g), and T4 (4.388g) groups. The initial body weights of the birds in all dietary treatments were statistically similar, indicating the groups were homogeneous. However, at the end of the six-week period, the T3 and T4 groups showed significantly better growth compared to the other groups.

 

The FCR results, which were corrected for mortality, showed that the T3 group (1.668) had an improved ratio throughout the experimental period compared to the T1 (1.755), T2 (1.743), and T4 (1.770) groups. Proper microflora balance in the intestine can enhance digestion and nutrient absorption, leading to a better feed conversion ratio. These findings suggest that Bio-Org+® WS is a suitable addition of probiotics, prebiotics, and eubiotics in poultry diets.

 

The total input cost per bird was calculated based on the total feed cost, cost of chicks, and medicines. As the level of protein and energy in the diet increased, the cost of the experimental ration also increased. However, when considering the cost of medicine per group of chickens, the T1 group had the highest cost (Rs. 10.89), while the T3 (Rs. 2.92), T4 (Rs. 2.60), and T2 (Rs. 2.57) groups had lower costs. The production cost was highest in the T1 (Rs. 76.70) and T2 (Rs. 76.51) groups, and lowest in the T4 (Rs. 73.94) and T3 (Rs. 72.14) groups. The net profit per kilogram of bird was ₹1.80 in the T3 group, which was higher than the positive control (antibiotics) and other treatment groups. Evaluating all the growth parameters indicated a positive preference for the T3 group, with favorable results in terms of live body weight gain, feed consumption, and feed conversion ratio compared to the other groups 

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Conclusion:

The supplementation of Bio-Org+® WS significantly improved body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, and profitability compared to the positive control group treated with antibiotics and the other treatment groups.