Effect of different levels of supplemental yeast on body weight, thyroid hormone metabolism and lipid profile of broiler chickens.

In poultry, the benefits of probiotic supplementation on broiler performance and health have been reported. The present study examined the effect of supplemental yeast probiotic preparations on body weight, thyroid hormone metabolism and serum lipid profile in broilers. The experiment was carried out on hybrid Marshall broiler chickens (n=200). Two hundred 1-day-old chicks were randomly selected and distributed into 4 groups of 50 1-day-old chicks each (control, C; E10.5%, E21.5% and E32.0%, experimental groups). The birds were housed in an environmentally controlled poultry house with the floor covered with wood shavings. Chicks were fed commercial broiler starter diet for the first 28 days of age, followed by pelleted finisher diet from 29-42 days. Feed and water were provided ad libitum. Chickens fed 2.0% probiotic had a significantly (P<0.05) higher body weight when compared with the control group. The blood glucose concentration was significantly (P<0.05) different in the E31.5% probiotic supplemented group when compared with the control. There was highly significant (P<0.05) difference in T4 level in the E32.0% probiotic group when compared with the control. However, there was a significant difference in cholesterol concentrations observed in the experimental group supplemented with E10.5% probiotic. The concentration of triglycerides was not affected by the probiotic supplementation. Significant differences (P<0.01) were observed in HDL concentrations in all experimental groups supplemented with the probiotic when compared with the control group. In conclusion, supplementing broiler feeds with a yeast probiotic increased body weight, enhanced thyroid hormone metabolism, and decreased cholesterol and lipoproteins in broiler chickens.