The impact of avian IgY antibodies and probiotics supplementation via drinking water on growth and laying performance of 16-week-old layer pullets

Antibiotics raise an issue concerning the development of antibiotic resistance of some pathogenic bacteria. The use of probiotics and Avian IgY in layer pullet farming is a better way of protecting against pathogenic bacteria and increasing production performance. Supplementation of Avian IgY antibodies and probiotics(Lactobacillus acidophilus, Streptococcus faecium, Bifido bacterium longghum, Bacillus thermophilum) were conducted on 5,724 healthy layer pullets to determine its effect on their growth and laying performance. The supplement was in powder form with a dosage of 100 mg per liter of water for 6 hours. The effect of the supplementation was evaluated by measuring production parameters on growth and laying performance of the layer pullets; there were 3 treatment groups, the control group, Treatment 2 which received 5 days initial supplementation for the first week and then twice every week for 9 weeks and Treatment 3 which received 5 days initial supplementation for the first week and then twice every 2 weeks for 9 weeks. Results showed that the supplementation had significant effects in the age in days when 50% of the total population per treatment laid their first eggs, average number of eggs produced, % Hen day production, % Hen house production, total weight of eggs, and feed conversion efficiency. It also showed that the supplementation is economical and yielded higher profit. On the other hand, the supplementation had no significant effect on the average body weight and mortality count of the layer pullets. The supplementation of Avian IgY antibodies and probiotics in water soluble powder via drinking water with 5 days initial supplementation of Avian IgY antibodies and probiotics for the first week; then twice every 2 weeks for 9 weeks has the greatest effects to increase the production performance and profitability of layers.Keywords:  Avian IgY antibodies, Growth performance, Laying performance, Layer pullets, Probiotics