Effects of Ferulic Acid-Based Preparation on Performance, Carcass Characteristics,Blood Profiles, and Intestinal Microflora of Broiler Chicks

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the dietary effects of ferulic acid-based preparation on the performance, blood profiles, and microflora of broiler chicks. A total of 400 chicks (1 day old Ross × Ross) were divided into 20 groups and assigned to four treatments: a basal diet (control) or a treatment diet containing 0.1%, 0.2%, or 0.3% ferulic acid-based preparation. The birds were fed from 1 to 30 d of age. Average daily gain improved compared to that in the control group in all periods ( P <0.05). There was no significant difference between treatments in Average daily feed intake during all periods. Feed conversion ratio during starter (day 1 to 21) and total day 1 to 30 periods significantly improved ( P <0.05) in the treatments containing ferulic acid-based preparation compared to that in the control. The total cholesterol levels in all the treatments containing ferulic acid-based preparation were significantly lower than that in the control ( P <0.05). The globulin content was significantly higher ( P <0.05) in the treatment with 0.2% and 0.3% ferulic acid-based preparations than that in the control and 0.1% ferulic acid-based preparation treatments. Among the treatments, there was no significant difference in the total number of cecal bacteria. The number of lactic acid bacteria significantly increased in all treatments containing ferulic acid-based preparation compared to that in the control ( P <0.05). The number of coliforms significantly decreased in all treatments containing ferulic acid-based preparation compared to that in the control ( P <0.05). In conclusion, the addition of ferulic acid-based preparation to the diet improved broiler performance, blood profiles, and intestinal flora.