Improvement of fayoumi laying hens performance under hot climate conditions: 1- probiotic and prebiotic [electronic resouce].

Includes references.

On the 20th wk of age, hundred eighty Fayoumi hens were randomly selected and divided into six equal groups, 30 birds of each, in three replicates, 10 birds of each. Birds in the 1st group were left as a control. While those in the 2nd group were fed a diet supplemented with (Bio-vet) as a probiotic by 1 g/kg feed contains Lactobacillus gassari, and Bifidobacterium longum 108 cfu/g. The 3rd group was given a diet with (Bactocell) as a probiotic by 1 g/kg feed contains Pediococcus acidolactici 10x109 cfu/g. The 4th group was fed a diet containing fructooligosaccorids (FOS) as a prebiotic by 1 g/kg feed. The 5th group was fed on diet with synbiotic I (1/2 g/kg feed commercial probiotic Bio-vet and 1/2 g/kg feed FOS). The 6th group was fed a diet supplemented with synbiotic II (1/2 g/kg feed Bactocell and 1/2 g/kg feed FOS). The study was performed to evaluate the effects of probiotic, prebiotic and their combination (synbiotic) as preventive against harmful of hot climate on Fayoumi hens performance. The feeding of both probiotics, prebiotic and both synbiotics for 12 and 16 wks to laying hens under hot climate, improved (P<0.05) live body weight, egg production, egg mass, feed conversion, and mortality rate as compared to the control flock. However, there were no significant differences in egg weight and feed consumption among the treatments. Interestingly, interior and exterior egg qualities were not impaired during both periods of supplementation. Plasma biochemical parameters such as T3, total plasma proteins as well as albumin and globulin of layers fed supplemental diets for 16 weeks under hot climate condition were (P<0.05) increased. The same trend was observed with blood indices (hemoglobin and hematocrit), lymphoid organs (relative weights of thymus and spleen) and immune response (HI titter) compared to corresponding control. Inversely, the plasma cholesterol, total lipids and A/G ratio were (P<0.05) reduced. However, creatinine, GPT and GOT enzymes were not affected. Moreover, there were (P<0.05) reduction in pH values and total count of some pathogenic bacteria (E. coli, Salmonella Pullorum and Clostridium perfringens) of intestine (Dudenum, Jejunum, Ilium and Caecum). In conclusions, feeding of both probiotics forms, prebiotic and both synbiotics forms for 12 or 16 weeks under hot climate condition can improve (P<0.05) the performance of Fayoumi layers without impairing egg quality or any physiological injury.

Summary in Arabic.

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