Assessment of the Prebiotic Potential of Fermented Groundnut Chaff and Fish Meal Blend on the Performance of Broiler Chicks

Abstract

The use of antibiotics in poultry production has led to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, posing a significant threat to human health. The need for alternative feed additives to promote growth and health in broiler chicks is urgent. Fermented groundnut chaff and fish meal blend has shown potential as a prebiotic, but its effects on broiler chicks' performance are unknown.. This study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of fermented groundnut chaff mixed with fish meal as a chicken additive for healthy broiler chicks. The effects of the fermented feeds on the broiler chicks were determined using in vivo techniques.  The isolate P was identified as Lactobacillus acidophilus strain DSN20079 (LADSM) based on cultural, morphological, biochemical, and molecular characteristics. The mixture of groundnut chaff and fish meal, fermented by LADSM was incorporated into the diet of broiler chicks, and its effects on growth performance, organ weights, feed intake, and hematological indices were evaluated. The results showed that the body weights of the chicks in the test group were significantly higher (p<0.05) than those in the control group from week 2 to week 6. The feed conversion ratio of the test group was significantly lower (p<0.05) than that of the control group from week 3 to week 6. The organ weights of the chicks were not affected by the inclusion of the feed additive in the diet. The white blood cell count and lymphocyte percentage were significantly higher (p<0.05) in the test group compared to the control group. The study suggest that the mixture of groundnut chaff and fish meal, fermented by LADSM has potential as a probiotic feed additive for broiler chicks, improving growth performance and blood indices without any adverse effects on organ weights.