Iraqi Journal of Veterinary Sciences

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of aqueous EM supplementation to broilers on the performance, immunological and histological status of broilers. A total of 60 unsexed day old broilers (Ross 308) were assigned randomly in two equal groups (treated and control groups 30 birds 15/each replicate) reared on controlled system for 5 weeks. Ten ml/ liter of EM solution was only added to drinking water of the treated group (T2). Blood and performance parameters included body weight gain, feed consumption and feed conversion ratio. As well as estimation of differential leucocyte count. Immunologic criteria involved measurement of relative weights of spleen, thymus and bursa of Fabricius of necropsied birds. The results showed a positive significant effect of EM on the body weight of the treated group which was clear during the 3rd to the 5th week of the trial. There was significant difference in feed consumption and feed conversion efficiency between the two groups. However, the latter parameter had the most notable significance. Increased lymphocyte percentage, increased jejunal villus height and crypt depth as well as increase in goblet cell count were observed in the treated group.