Probiotic-yeast improves performance indicators in broiler chickens: evidence from meta-analysis

Ogbuewu, I. P. and Okoro, V. M. and Mbajiorgu, C. A.

Applied Ecology and Environmental Research (2020) 18: 2823–2843

DOI: 10.15666/aeer/1802_28232843

Abstract

Antibiotics modulate gut microbiomes and enhance broiler chicken productivity. Nevertheless, their use in chicken nutrition has been linked to the spread of resistant strains of bacteria. Studies have shown that probiotic-yeast improves the productivity of broiler chickens. However, agreement has not been reached among investigators as to whether yeast improves the production indices of broiler chickens. The objective of this meta-analysis therefore was to determine the effect of yeast supplementation on feed consumption (FC), feed conversion ratio (FCR) and body weight gain (BWG) in broiler chicken using meta-analysis. The study focused on published primary studies comparing broiler chickens fed diet supplemented with yeast versus without yeast. Sixteen published primary studies were included in the meta-analysis. Results of pooled effects estimate revealed that yeast supplementation improved FCR (p \textless 0.001), BWG (p \textless 0.001) and reduced FC (p \textless 0.001) in broiler chickens. The results of sub-analysis indicated that broiler chickens that received yeast at \textless 10 g/kg diet had better performance than those that received yeast at 10 g/kg feed and \textgreater 10 g/kg feed. The chosen moderators were predictors of study effect observed in the meta-analysis. It is concluded that yeast can be used as a performance enhancer in broiler chickens instead of antibiotics.

Citation

Ogbuewu, I. P., Okoro, V. M., & Mbajiorgu, C. A. (2020). Probiotic-yeast improves performance indicators in broiler chickens: evidence from meta-analysis. Applied Ecology and Environmental Research, 18(2), 2823–2843. https://doi.org/10.15666/aeer/1802_28232843 meta-analysis, Animal Nutrition (Production Responses) [LL520], liveweight gain, liveweight gains, Mathematics and Statistics [ZZ100], Meat Producing Animals [LL120], intestines, productivity, broiler performance, broilers, chickens, domesticated birds, fowls, poultry, feed conversion efficiency, feed intake, feed additives, feed supplements, microorganisms, yeasts, probiotics, antibiotics, Feed Additives [RR130], microbial flora, microflora, micro-organisms, gut flora, intestinal micro-organisms, intestinal microorganisms

Keywords

• meta-analysis
• Animal Nutrition (Production Responses) [LL520]
• liveweight gain
• liveweight gains
• Mathematics and Statistics [ZZ100]
• Meat Producing Animals [LL120]
• intestines
• productivity
• broiler performance
• broilers
• chickens
• domesticated birds
• fowls
• poultry
• feed conversion efficiency
• feed intake
• feed additives
• feed supplements
• microorganisms
• yeasts
• probiotics
• antibiotics
• Feed Additives [RR130]
• microbial flora
• microflora
• micro-organisms
• gut flora
• intestinal micro-organisms
• intestinal microorganisms