Effect of supplementing combination of direct fed microbial isolated from vegetable sources on biological performance of different strains of broiler chicken

Abstract

The dietary performance of the combination of direct fed microbial (DFM) namely Lactobacillus acidophilus, Streptococcus uberis and Saccharomyces cerevisiae (T2), which were isolated from over ripe Luffa cylindrica and Mommordica charantia was studied vis-à-vis the combination of their respective standard direct fed microbial (DFM) Lactobacillus acidophilus (L4), Streptococcus lactis (S1) and Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Y3) (T1) and control diet (T0) in strains of commercial poultry broilers up to 6 weeks of age. Strain specific growth response in poultry broilers was exhibited owing to supplementation of isolated DFM. Significantly higher gain in live weight was exhibited by Vancobb strain of broiler birds supplemented with standard combination of DFM whereas nonsignificant difference for gain in live weight was exhibited by both Starbro and Kegbro strain. Overall results revealed poor feed conversion in all the broiler strains supplemented with both isolated and standard DFM. Difference in mean for mortality and dressing percentage exhibited was nonsignificant in all the treatments. Significantly higher growth response in standard DFM supplemented treatment comprising Vancobb strain of broilers appeared to be due to effective colonization of standard DFM in gastro- intestinal tract as evidenced by significantly higher total and differential microbial counts. It is thus concluded that direct fed microbials not only are strain specific but may have specific compatibilities for particular strain of broilers to exhibit desirable beneficial effects.