Effects of phytobiotics on Cobb broiler production results, meatiness and chemical composition

Abstract

A b s t r a c t: In order to achieve better results for fattening broilers, various additives can be added to feed, including phytobiotics (phytogenic additives). Phytobiotics protect young broilers’ health based on the principles of competitive exclusion and improved usability of nutrients, growth and feed efficiency. Due to the importance and actuality of this topic, it is scientifically justified and interesting to examine the effects of using natural growth stimulators on the performance of intensively bred broilers, as well as the suitability of these compounds for nutritional, health and economic aspects of broiler production.

In this study, 120 Cobb 500 broilers were divided into two groups, one control without and one experimental with a mixture of phytobiotics in their feed. At the beginning of the study, all broilers were of equal body mass. In some phases of fattening and at the end (after 42 days), body mass and total gain of the broilers receiving phytobiotics were significantly higher in than control broilers (p<0.05 and p<0.01, respectively). Total consumption of feed for the whole fattening period was higher in the control than in the phytobiotic-recieving broilers. A better feed conversion rate was determined in the broilers receiving phytobiotics than in the control broilers (P<0.05). The carcass meatiness was also improved in the broilers receiving phytobiotics (p<0.01). There was no significant difference between control and phytobiotic-receiving broilers with regard to meat chemical composition.