Comparative study of probiotics and postbiotics on growth performance, carcass traits, and blood biochemical profiles in broiler chickens

Abstract

This study focused on analysing the effects of probiotic (Lactobacillus DH42) and postbiotic (inactivated Lactobacillus DH42) supplements on the growth performance, carcass traits and blood biochemical profiles of broiler chickens. A group of 192 day-old mixed-sex broiler chicks was randomly divided into four distinct categories: CON (no growth promoters), AGP (BMD at 500 g/MT of feed), PRO (probiotic, Lactobacillus DH42), and POS (postbiotic, inactivated Lactobacillus DH42). Each group included six replicates, with eight chicks in each. Weekly assessments were made regarding body weight, feed consumption, and feed conversion rations. Blood samples were collected on the 35th day for biochemical profiling, and carcass evaluations took place at the end of the experiment. Findings revealed that the POS group had the higher final body weight and average daily gain, alongside a more favourable feed conversion ratio. Furthermore, cholesterol levels were significantly lower in the POS, PRO and AGP groups when compared to the CON group. These results suggest that postbiotics could be viable alternatives to antibiotics in the production of broiler chickens.