Morphometric Responses of Ross 308 Male Broilers to Yeast β-Glucan Supplementation during Feed Stress
M. Krishnamoorthy
Department of Zoology, The American College (Autonomous), Madurai 625002, Tamil Nadu, India.
P. Velladurai *
Department of Zoology, The American College (Autonomous), Madurai 625002, Tamil Nadu, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Broiler chicken have been subjected to intensive genetic selection, making them the fastest growing farmed avians. The primary determining factor is the feed which is the success behind the rearing of broilers. Some growth-promoting substances and antibiotics have been used in the broiler industry, which can negatively impact the overall health. In this study, Yeast β-glucans are carbohydrates made up of complex glucose polymers which is known for immunomodulating capabilities and potential use in poultry diets. This study involved total of 54-day-old birds (3 replicates x 6 N x 3 diets) that were divided into three treatment pens based on the diet given for 7 weeks. Morphometric measurements were employed to analyse the body orientation and dimensions of organisms, which can be used for growth prediction. Results revealed significant changes in body weight in broiler chicks that were exposed to feed stress, which the broilers in pen-1 and pen-3 showed good morphometric changes compared to pen-2 showed decrease in changes after the fifth week. The positive correlation coefficient between body weight and morphometric traits supports previous research, with body weight being reliably predicted with other morphometric traits like head length and back length. The present study suggested that supplementing yeast β-glucan in broiler chicken diets can positively influence various morphometric characteristics, particularly when combined with other feed additives.
Keywords: Yeast β-glucan, morphometric, broilers, poultry