The effect of probiotic supplementation on meat and litter quality and leg health of broilers reared under high stocking density conditions.

Abstract

Background: High stocking density is one of the main factors that impair the performance and welfare of broilers.

Aims: This study aimed to investigate the effects of Bacillus and Lactobacillus probiotics, either alone or in combination, on meat quality, peroxide value of fat tissue, leg health, and litter quality in broilers under high stocking density.

Methods: Two hundred one-day-old Cobb 500 chicks were divided randomly into five treatments (4 replicates and ten birds per replicate): Control (normal stocking density, no probiotic), HD (high stocking density, no probiotic), HDpBacil (high stocking density, Bacillus-based probiotic), HDpLAB (high stocking density, Lactobacillus-based probiotic), HDpMix (high stocking density, combined probiotic containing Bacillus and Lactobacillus). Litter quality was assessed on days 21 and 42. Footpad dermatitis was also scored on days 14, 28, and 42. Gait score, peroxide value in fat tissue, and breast and thigh meat quality were measured on day 42.

Results: The HD group had significantly the highest footpad dermatitis and gait scores and the lowest litter quality levels (P<0.05). The combined probiotic improved leg health and litter quality indices (P<0.05) and reduced the water holding capacity (WHC) and peroxide value (P<0.05). While, the highest peroxide value of abdominal fat and WHC of thigh meat were in the HD group (P<0.05).

Conclusion: The combination of probiotics (Bacillus and Lactobacillus) can mitigate the adverse effects of high stocking density in broilers. It can be a beneficial feed additive in broilers against highly stressful conditions.