Impact of Dietary Supplementation on Growth and Haemato-biochemical Parameters in Broiler Chickens

Thesis Abstract

The rapid growth of the poultry industry necessitates the exploration of novel dietary interventions to optimize broiler performance and health, particularly through sustainable and cost-effective means. Despite significant advancements, there remains limited empirical data on the systematic effects of specific dietary supplements on growth trajectories and haemato-biochemical health markers in broiler chickens. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of dietary supplementation with a probiotic blend and amino acid enhancer on growth performance, haematological indices, and serum biochemical parameters in broiler chickens. The specific objectives included quantifying growth metrics (weight gain, feed conversion ratio), assessing variations in haematological parameters (packed cell volume, haemoglobin concentration, white blood cell count), and measuring biochemical markers (serum total protein, liver enzymes, lipid profile) following dietary interventions. Employing a randomized controlled experimental design, the study involved a total of 150 day-old Ross 308 broiler chicks, allocated equally into three groups a control group fed a basal diet without supplements, a probiotic-supplemented group, and an amino acid enhancer group. The trial spanned 42 days, with dietary treatments administered from day 1. Data collection tools comprised calibrated scales for growth measurements, automated hematology analyzers for blood indices, and spectrophotometric assays for serum biochemistry. The validity and reliability of the instruments were established through calibration standards and replicative testing, ensuring data accuracy. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 26, with descriptive statistics summarizing the data. One-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) tested the differences between treatment groups, followed by Tukey’s post-hoc tests. Regression analysis explored relationships among growth parameters and biochemical markers, while the impact of supplementation on health outcomes was interpreted within the framework of the Growth Performance and Immune Response Theories, supplemented by the Microbiota-Host Interaction model. Expected findings include statistically significant improvements in body weight gain and feed conversion ratio in supplemented groups compared to controls, along with enhancements in haematological health markers such as increased haemoglobin concentration and healthy leukocyte levels. Biochemical assays are anticipated to reveal elevated serum total protein and optimal lipid profiles, indicating improved metabolic health, as well as reduced liver enzyme levels suggesting hepatoprotective effects of the supplements. These outcomes would demonstrate that dietary supplementation with probiotics and amino acid enhancers positively influences growth performance and physiological health in broilers. The study’s contribution to knowledge lies in providing robust empirical evidence on the efficacy of nutritional supplements in poultry diets, elucidating the physiological mechanisms underlying observed performance improvements. The findings have implications for formulation strategies that promote sustainable poultry production while maintaining animal health. The main conclusion underscores the potential of targeted dietary supplementation as an adjunct to conventional feeding regimes, with recommendations for inclusion levels and duration to optimize benefits. Future research avenues include longitudinal studies across diverse breeds and environments, investigations into synergistic effects of combined supplements, and molecular assessments of immune gene expression to deepen understanding of the underlying biological processes. The research ultimately supports evidence-based interventions aimed at enhancing productivity and health in commercial broiler production systems.