Synbiotics as functional additives in broiler diets: Production and slaughter performance

Abstract

To enhance the safety and efficiency of broiler nutrition, this study investigated the effects of a synbiotic product containing both probiotic and prebiotic components, administered through drinking water. The experiment was conducted on 600 Cobb 500 broilers divided into control and treatment groups. Over a 42-day fattening period, key production parameters – including feed intake (FI), average daily gain (ADG), feed conversion ratio (FCR), and the European Production Efficiency Factor (EPEF) – as well as slaughter traits were monitored. Synbiotic supplementation significantly improved growth performance, feed efficiency, and overall production outcomes. A higher carcass yield and a trend toward an increased proportion of breast muscle were also observed in the treated group. The findings suggest that synbiotics can be a valuable functional additive in broiler production, contributing to improved growth and carcass quality without adverse effects on animal health.