The Effects of Increasing Levels of Yeast Culture (Levucel SB) in a High Fibre-Diet on the Performance and Nutrient Retention of Broiler Chicks

摘要

One hundred and sixty (160) one day old Ross 355 broiler chicks were used in an experiment to determine the effects of supplementing brewer's dried grain with Levucel SB yeast. Four experimental diets were used. Diet 1 which served as control had 0.0mg kg~(-1) dietary inclusion level of yeast. Diets 2, 3 and 4 which had higher level of brewer's dried grain were supplemented with 200, 250 and 300 mg of yeast per kg of diet respectively. Feed and water were supplied ad libitum. The experiment lasted for four weeks. Results at the end of the experiment showed that, feed intakes were not significantly affected by yeast supplementation. However, live weight gains and feed conversion ratios of broilers fed diets with yeast supplementation were significantly improved (p<0.05). Cost of feeding to 4 weeks of age was also significantly reduced for these groups of broilers (p<0.05). Dietary yeast supplementation did not affect broiler livability. Results of nutrient retention trial showed that while proteinand fat retentions were comparable among broilers in all groups whereas fibre retention was significantly increased by yeast supplementation (p<0.05). It was concluded that, Levucel SB yeast fed at either 250 or 300 mg kg~(-1) to supplement 26% inclusionof brewer's dried grain in broiler starter diet could enhance body weight gain, feed conversion and fibre retention. In addition, such supplementation could also result in lowering cost of feeding.