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Effect of direct-fed microorganisms on broiler growth performance and litter ammonia level |
S. H. Chiang, W. M. Hsieh |
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Abstract |
Broilers were fed diets supplemented with various levels of a probiotic(mixture of the following direct-fed microorganisms: Lactobacillus, Bacillus, and Streptococcus). Growth performance, abdominal fat, excreta, and litter ammonia level were determined. The results showed that birds fed the probiotic-supplemented diets had better weight gain(p<0.01) and feed conversion(gain:feed;p<0.12) when compared to the birds fed the unsupplemented diet. No differences in feed intake and abdominal fat were observed among birds fed the different experimental diets. Excreta(p<0.05) and litter(p<0.01) ammonia levels were reduced by dietary probiotic supplementation. A dosage of 0.25 g of the probiotic/kg of diet is needed to maiximize growth performance furing both the starter and finisher periods. A higher dosage(approximate 0.5 g/kg) is needed to minimize litter ammonia production. |
Keywords:
Lactobacillus; Bacillus; Streptococcus; Growth; Ammonia |
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