ABSTRACT
This study was to determine the
effect of probiotics (L. acidophilus) on growth performance, carcass
yield, and serum cholesterol level of broiler birds. A total of 128 day – old
Anak broiler chicks were used for the study. The birds were randomly divided
into four treatment groups T1, T2, T3, and T 4
which contained 0.0g/ml, 0.4g/ml, 0.6g/ml and 0.8g/ml L. acidophilus
respectively. Thirty-two birds were assigned to each treatment group which was
replicated four times with 8 birds per replicate in a completely randomized
design (CRD). The experiment lasted for eight weeks. The results showed that
probiotics significantly (P < 0.05) affected the average final body weight
in the starter phase for T2 T3 and T4 when
compared with T1 (control). Probiotics also showed significant
effect (P< 0.05) on the average final body weight in the finishing phase for
T2, T3, and T4 when compared with T1.
However, there was no significant (P>0.05) difference in the carcass
analysis of dressing weight and gizzard weight. There was no significant
(P>0.05) difference in the total cholesterol level of the various
treatments. The result also revealed that there was significant (P < 0.05)
difference in total cost of feed consumed. It was concluded from the study that
addition of 0.6g/ml probiotics (L. acidophilus) in the diet of broiler
birds enhanced their performance positively.
CHAPTER ONE
1.0. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background
Information
Production and supply of animal protein are grossly
inadequate in developing countries
including Nigeria (Atsu, 2002).
This has drastically affected the daily animal protein intake of Nigerians that
is reported to be as low as 6.5g per head per day compared to the World Health
Organization recommendation of 35g per head per day (FAO, 2005).
One
of the measures to solving this problem is to improve the production of
livestock species that have the potential for rapid growth and short generation
interval. The Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO, 2005) reported that
poultry meat produced all over the world was 21 million tonnes higher than beef
and veal production.
According
to Babatunde (1980), poultry holds a unique position in bridging the gap of
animal protein supply for the ever increasing human population in Nigeria and
other developing countries. This can only be achieved if proper measures are
taken to ensure increased productivity at a relatively lower cost of
production. Poultry has the advantage of ranking high in its ability to convert
feed into meat and egg efficiently (Kekeocha, 1994).
The
cost of feed in any animal production enterprise could be over 70% of the
entire cost of production. This high cost of feed is because most of the diets
are based on cereal grains and oil seed meal, which compete both directly and
indirectly with the industry and human (Ezekwe et al., 2011). Because of
this, researchers are keen on finding ways to utilize cheaper and readily available
feedstuff such as palm kernel cake (PKC) in poultry production (Obioha, 1992).
Okuedo et al., (2005) reported that PKC could be used to achieve better
performance in poultry. Other measures that had been taken include
incorporation of growth promoters in poultry feed
Scientists
have over the years defined probiotics in several ways. Fuller (1999) defined
probiotics as animal feed supplements which had a beneficial effect on the host
animal by affecting its gut flora. Edens (2003) also defined probiotics as feed
additives that can be used to replace antibiotics in poultry nutrition.
According to the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO, 2005), probiotics is
a live microorganism administered in adequate amounts which confers a
beneficial health effect on the host. Griggs and Jacob (2005) gave a definition
of probiotics as viable microbial food supplements which beneficially influence
the health of the host. A more encompassing definition was given by Ezema
(2007) as a live culture of microbes often lactic acid bacteria but also other
species such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae which are fed to animals to
improve their health and growth by altering intestinal microbial balance. From
the
In
broiler nutrition, probiotics species belonging to lactobacillus,
streptococcus, prifidobacterium, enterococus, aspergillus, candida and
saccharomyces have a beneficial effect on broiler performance
(Owings et al., 1990); modulation of intestinal microflora and pathogen
inhibition (Jin et al., 1998). These organisms also influence changes in
intestine histology (Kabir et al., 2005), improve sensory
characterization of dressed broiler meat (Pelicano et al., 2003) and
promote microbiological meat quality of broiler.
1.2. Problem Statement
The
problems associated with poultry production in Nigeria are low productivity,
challenge of disease and pests, poor performing breeds, poor management and
lack of adequate capital (Akpantuku et al., 1998).
To increase productivity,
producers have resorted to the use of probiotics. There are indications that
probiotics addition to animal feed can improve the nutritive quality of feed
and the performance of animal (Glade and Sist, 1998; Anjum et al.,
2005).
This research was therefore
designed to assess the effect of probiotics (Lactobacillus acidophilus)
on the growth performance and carcass yield of finishing broilers.
1.3. Objectives of the Study
The study was carried out to determine the:
i.
Effect of
probiotics on the growth performance of broilers,
ii.
Effect of
probiotics on carcass yield and organs weight of broiler birds,
iii.
Cost
implication of using probiotics in broiler production and
iv.
Effect of
probiotics on serum cholesterol level of broiler birds.
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Item Type: Postgraduate Material | Attribute: 68 pages | Chapters: 1-5
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