Effects of the probiotic, Saccharomyces cerevisiae feed supplementation on oocyst shedding, haematology and serum proteins of broilers experimentally infected with mixed Eimeria oocysts

Abstract

This study determines the effects of probiotics - Saccharomyces cerevisiae on oocysts shedding, haematology and serum proteins of broilers infected with mixed Eimeria oocysts. 120-day-old broiler chicks were randomly assigned to four groups (Groups A – D) of 30 birds each. Group A - was fed a plain diet and not infected, Group B - was fed a supplemented diet and infected, Group C - was fed a plain diet and infected, and Group D - was fed a supplemented diet and not infected. S. cerevisiae was supplemented at 0.1%/kg of feed. At week 3, Groups B and C were infected with sporulated mixed Eimeria oocysts orally, followed by a daily faecal examination of all groups. The rate of oocyst shedding, packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin concentration (Hb), red blood cell (RBC) count, total white blood cell (WBC) count, differential WBC count and serum levels of total protein, albumin and globulin were determined at five days’ intervals. The data collected were analyzed using a one-way analysis of variance at a 95% confidence interval (p<0.05). Group C had the significantly higher (p<0.05) number of oocysts in faeces, total WBC count and globulin levels, with the lowest PCV, Hb, RBC count, total protein and albumin levels. Group D had significantly higher (p<0.05) heterophil, eosinophil and monocyte counts. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with S. cerevisiae (1 g/kg) ameliorated the effect of Eimeria infection in broilers, by reducing the rate of oocyst shedding, anaemia and hypoproteinaemia due to the activity of the parasite.