Effect of Probiotic (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) Supplemented Poultry Diet on the Lymphoid Organs, Hematology and Production Parameters of Broiler Chickens

Arinzechukwu Ezema, Patience Ugwu, Esther Njoku, Miracle Edeh and Chuka Ezema

Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of poultry diet supplemented with Saccharomyces cerevisiae on lymphoid organs, weight gain and hematology of broilers. Materials and Methods: A total of 60 day-old broiler chicks (Ross 308) were randomly divided into two groups (A- control and B- probiotic) of 30 birds each. Each group was further subdivided into 3 replicates of 10 birds each. Birds were fed ad libitum. At the 6th week, 2 birds from each replicate were randomly selected and 3 mL of blood was collected from the right jugular vein for haematological analysis. The thymus, spleen and ileum was collected for histopathology. The weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio were also determined. Results: Birds in group B showed increased proliferation of cells in the thymus, spleen and Peyer's patches. The absolute heterophil count of birds in Group A (11.577×10³ μL) was significantly (p<0.05) lower than that of Group B (22.38×10³ μL), while the heterophil-lymphocyte ratio of birds in group B was lower (1:1) than that of group A (control) (1:3). Group A (control group) had a significant (p<0.05) lower live body weight (3.0 kg) than Group B (3.5 kg). Conclusion: It is possible that probiotics contributed to an increase in the lymphoid organs, absolute heterophil count, weight gain and feed conversion efficiency. Based on the findings of this study, probiotic inclusion level of 1 g per kg of broiler feed was recommended for improved immunity, productivity and profit in broiler chicken.

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