Performance, intestinal morphology and microbiology of broiler chickens fed egg powder in the starter diet

Esmailzadeh, LShivazad, MSadeghi, A. A.Karimitorshizi, M

The effect of egg powder inclusion in the pre-starter diet (1-7 days of age) on the performance, and intestinal morphology and microbiology of male broiler chickens was evaluated in a completely randomized design. Starter diets with equal metabolizable energy and crude protein levels were formulated to contain 0, 20, 40, or 60 g egg powder/kg diet. Results showed that body weight, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, and European efficiency index were positively affected (p0.05) by egg powder inclusion in the starter diet. Inclusion of 40 g egg powder/kg diet in the starter diet promoted the best performance results. Jejunal villus height and villus to crypt ratio increased (p0.05) and intestinal length decreased (p0.05) as a result of egg powder inclusion in the starter diet. Egg powder inclusion in the starter diet reduced (p0.05E. coli counts, but increased (p0.05) lactic acid bacteria counts in the small intestine. The results obtained in the present study indicate that the inclusion of 40 60 g egg powder/kg of starter diet g improved the performance and intestinal health of broilers. (AU)

1. Broilers
2. intestinal microbiology
3. starter diet
4. intestinal morphology
5. performance
6. egg powder