Effect of using protexin probiotic and Ephedra funereal powder supplementation on performance and some carcass traits on broiler chicks

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This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of feeding protexin and Ephedra funereal on performance and some carcass traits on broiler chicks. A total of 240 seven days old broiler chickens with an average weight of 39 g were divided into 8treatmentswith 3 replicates. The treatments were divided as basal diet with no protexin and Ephedra funereal kept as control, and for others 100 mg/kg (T1), 200 mg/kg (T2) and300 mg/kg(T3) Ephedra funereal with or without protexin (0-100 g/kg)were used respectively. The live body weight gains and feed consumption of birds were measured individually feed conversion efficiency were calculated. At the end of the trial for investigating the effect of using protexin and Ephedra funereal supplementation on performance of birds, 2 birds form each replicates were slaughtered and some blood samples were taken for carcass determination. Data showed that using of protexin and Ephedra funereal increased feed intake (FI) in treatments compared to control. Also body weight (BW) (g/d) and Pre-slaughter weigh (g) were higher in protexin and Ephedra funereal groups compared to the control. There were significant differences (p<0.05) for feed conversation ratio (FCR) among treatments. Data showed that using of protexin and Ephedra funereal could increase carcass yield (g), breast and drumstick meat percentage none significantly. Data showed that gizzard and intestine weight also increased by using protexin and Ephedra funereal. Data from this study showed that protexin and Ephedra funereal may be used as ingredient in broilers diet without harming effects on performance and carcass quality of birds.