Effects of dietary supplementation of alfalfa meal and rice bran on growth performance, carcass characteristics and intestinal microbiota in broilers

Abstract The composition of gastrointestinal tract microbiota can be changed by dietary manipulation, to prevent gut health issues and to promote animal performance. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of rice bran and alfalfa meal on growth performance and intestinal microbiota in broilers. A total of 252 Cobb 500 broilers, aged 14 days, were randomly assigned into 3 groups: control (CON), 5 % rice bran (RB), 5 % alfalfa meal (AM), and housed in an environment-controlled hall 42 days. Throughout the experimental period, grow performance parameters were monitored and at the end relative weights of internal organs were measured. Samples of intestinal content were collected for bacteriological determinations. Feed intake, daily weight gain and viability were not significantly affected by the dietary supplements. Alfalfa meal and rice bran decreased the populations of Escherichia coli and staphylococci in small intestine content, and Enterobacteriaceae, Escherichia coli and staphylococci in caecal content of broilers. The count of lactobacilli in both small intestine and caecal content registered a significantly increase in experimental groups, compared to CON group. Supplementation of diets with rice bran and alfalfa meal tended to increase the population of beneficial bacteria and inhibit the potential pathogens.