EFFECT OF HYDROPONIC GREEN FORAGE SUPPLEMENTED WITH A PROBIOTIC ON THE PRODUCTIVE BEHAVIOR AND NUTRITIONAL QUALITY OF BROILERS

Abstract

Background. Partial replacement of the diet in broilers with hydroponic green forage results in a decrease in feed costs. Supplementation with probiotics improves the health status of chickens and their productive efficiency. Objective. Evaluate the partial replacement in the diet of broilers with the inclusion of hydroponic green corn fodder (FVH) supplemented with a yeast (Debaryomyces hansenii) as a probiotic, on some productive characteristics. Methodology. A total of 360 day old chickens were randomly assigned to one of five treatments, with five repetitions per treatment and 18 chickens for replication. The experimental period lasted 39 days during which food and water were provided ad libitum. The treatments consisted of five experimental diets: T1 = usual diet (UD) without yeast, as a control; T2 = 80% UD and 20% FVH supplemented with yeast (8 x 108); T3 = 60% UD and 40% FVH supplemented with yeast (8 x 108); T4 = UD plus yeast as a probiotic added in drinking water. Results. It was observed that the food consumption was lower in the animals that received the probiotic treatments (T2-T4) in relation to those that were fed with the control treatment. Similarly, food consumption was lower (P<0.05) in the treatment in which the probiotic was supplied in the drinking water (T4), compared to the treatments in which the probiotic was added in the FVH irrigation (T2 and T3). The addition of the probiotic in the water compared to the probiotic in the forage resulted in a greater weight gain (P<0.05). Implications.  The partial replacement of the balanced feed with FVH is feasible and reduces the production costs of the broiler. The addition of Debaryomyces hansenii in the drinking water, reduces the consumption of food without affecting the weight gain, thus improving the productive efficiency. Conclusion. It is possible to substitute the diet of the broiler with up to 40% FVH without affecting its productive characteristics. Supplementation with Debaryomyces hansenii improves the productive efficiency of broilers.