The effect of Dfm (Re-3, Re-3 Plus And P3) on the growth performance, carcass characteristics, microbiological and haemato-biochemical indices of broiler chickens

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2015-07-11
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Two studies were conducted to determine the effect of DFM products (RE3, RE3+ and P3) on the growth performance, carcass characteristics, microbiological and haemato-biochemical indices of broiler chickens. Three hundred (300) unsexed day old Cobb commercial strain of broilers each were used for the two studies (experiment 1 with DFM in feed and experiment 2 with DFM in water). At 28 days of age, two hundred and forty birds each were randomly selected and divided into four groups, each group constituting a treatment with four replicates per treatment in a completely randomised design. Basic diets were formulated for all the 4 experimental groups with treatment 1 devoid of the DFM supplement and three other diets containing DFM in feed or DFM in water each incorporated at levels of 1.5 ml in a kg feed and in a litre of water. The experimental diets and water were provided to the broiler chickens ad-libitum throughout the experiments. The control groups were given coccidiostat (Narcox-plus), each in experiment 1(DFM in feed) and in experiment 2 (DFM in water) while the probiotic groups were not given any medication. Results of the first experiment indicated no significant (P>0.05) differences in feed intake, weight gain, feed conversion ratio and mortality. Haematological parameters were not significantly (P > 0.05) enhanced with the probiotics. However, significant (P < 0.05) differences existed in serum total protein, globulin and albumin levels among the treatment groups. Faecal enterococci were significantly (P < 0.05) lower in the probiotic administered groups than the control groups. The results of experiment 2 showed that DFM administration in water produced significant (P < 0.05) effects on weight gain and feed conversion ratio of the broilers. Haematological parameters were not significantly (P > 0.05) influenced by DFM supplementation. However, significant (P<0.05) reduction in Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) was recorded for broilers supplemented with the DFM. Faecal enterococci and salmonella were significantly (P < 0.05) lower in the probiotic supplemented groups than the control groups. Based on the results of the study, both DFM in feed and in water for broiler chickens had beneficial effect on the health status, growth performance and even confer economic benefits. Key Words: Broilers, DFM, Haematology, Microbiology, Performance.
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A thesis submitted to the Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of MASTER OF SCIENCE (ANIMAL NUTRITION). 2015
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