The effect of early feeding with probiotic and honey on performance, immune system and intestinal microflora population of broiler chickens

In this study, the effect of early feeding of probiotic and honey on performance, immune system and intestinal microflora population of broiler chickens were evaluated. The experiment was done in a completely randomized design with 4 treatments, 3 replicates, and 12 birds in each replicate. Experimental treatments were included: 1- Control treatment (48 hours hunger after hatch), 2- drinking water contained 10 grams probiotic preparation/ Litr for 48h after hatch, 3- drinking water contained 5 percent honey for 48 hours after hatch, 4- drinking water contained 10 grams probiotic/ Litr and 5 percent honey for 48 hours after hatch. The results showed that feeding of the experimental treatments had no effect on feed intake of broiler chickens (P>0.05). The broilers fed with probiotic and honey had 6.88 percentage higher body weight gain than control group (P<0.05). Early feeding with honey decreased feed conversion ratio of broiler chicken up to 21 days of age (P<0.05). The birds which consumed probiotic, honey or a mix of probiotic and honey in drinking water had higher antibody titer against sheep red blood cell, and the population of Lactobacilli in their ileal digesta was higher (P<0.05). General conclusion, in regards to the positive effects of early feeding of broiler chickens with probiotic and honey, their usage is recommended during early hours after hatch of chicks to increase body weight, promote immune system, and improve gut health of the birds.