Effect of bovine amniotic fluid administration on the intestinal bacterial composition and haematological parameters of broiler chickens

Abstract

Many efforts have been conducted to search for antibiotics substitute after the withdrawal of feed antibiotics. This study aimed to investigate the effect of bovine amniotic fluid (BAF) administration on the intestinal bacterial composition, haematological parameters and immune tissues development of broiler chickens. A hundred of 1dayold male broiler chicks were allotted to control and the group receiving BAF (1 % in drinking water). At day 28, blood, immune organs and intestinal digesta were collected from the birds. Administration of 1% BAF in drinking water reduced (P<0.05) the number of coliform bacteria and increased (P<0.05) lactic acid bacteria (LAB) to coliform ratio in the intestine of birds. BAF administration increased the proportion of eosinophils (P<0.05) and heterophils (P=0.09) in the blood of broilers. The treatment also increased (P<0.05) the relative weight of Bursa Fabricius of broilers. In conclusion, BAF was potential to improve bacterial composition of the intestine and immune competence of broilers fed antibioticfree diets.