Effects of prebiotic, protein level, and stocking density on performance, immunity, and stress indicators of broilers

• DOI: 10.3382/ps.2010-01050
• Publication Date: 2012-01-17T17:06:31Z
• Authors: M. Houshmand; K. Azhar; I. Zulkifli; M.H. Bejo; A. Kamyab
• Keywords: Prebiotic; Starter

An experiment was conducted to determine the effects of period on performance, immunity, and some stress indicators broilers fed 2 levels protein stocked at a normal or high stocking density. Experimental treatments consisted × factorial arrangement with prebiotic (with without prebiotic), dietary CP [NRC-recommended low level (85% NRC-recommended level)], density (10 birds/m(2) as 16 density), for total 8 treatments. Each treatment had 5 replicates (cages). Birds were reared in 3-tiered battery cages wire floors an open-sided housing system under natural tropical conditions. Housing general management practices similar all groups. Starter finisher diets mash form from 1 21 d 22 42 age, respectively. Supplementation no significant effect (blood glucose, cholesterol, corticosterone, heterophil:lymphocyte ratio). Protein significantly influenced broiler performance but did not affect immunity (except cholesterol level). The resulted better FCR also higher antibody titer against Newcastle disease compared However, blood ratio. Significant interactions between observed BW gain final BW. results indicated that, conditions this experiment, addition broilers.