CHAPTER-1 INTRODUCTION The sub-therapeutic use of antibiotics in livestock and poultry production is under severe scientific and public scrutiny, as antibiotic growth promoters (AGP) are linked with the development of pathogenic bacteria which are antibiotic-resistant. These pathogenic bacteria create health problems (Smith et al., 2003). As a result, the European Union banned on sub-therapeutic usage of AGP in animal production in 2006 (Burch, 2006). Due to impending ban of AGP in livestock and poultry feed, it was compulsory for poultry industry to develop alternatives of AGP. The prebiotics and probiotics seem to be alternate candidates for AGP (Cavazzoni et al., 1998). Prebiotics are the feed ingredients that are not digested by host digestive enzymes instead are fermented by beneficial bacteria and, therefore, are beneficial for host (Gibson and Roberfroid, 1995). Oligosaccharides fall under 1
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CHAPTER-1
INTRODUCTION
The sub-therapeutic use of antibiotics in livestock and poultry production is under
severe scientific and public scrutiny, as antibiotic growth promoters (AGP) are linked
with the development of pathogenic bacteria which are antibiotic-resistant. These
pathogenic bacteria create health problems (Smith et al., 2003). As a result, the European
Union banned on sub-therapeutic usage of AGP in animal production in 2006 (Burch,
2006). Due to impending ban of AGP in livestock and poultry feed, it was compulsory
for poultry industry to develop alternatives of AGP. The prebiotics and probiotics seem to
be alternate candidates for AGP (Cavazzoni et al., 1998).
Prebiotics are the feed ingredients that are not digested by host digestive enzymes
instead are fermented by beneficial bacteria and, therefore, are beneficial for host (Gibson
and Roberfroid, 1995). Oligosaccharides fall under this category and are believed to
affect the gut health of host (Ferket, 2004). Mannan-oligosaccharides (MOS), extracted
from yeast cell wall, are not hydrolyzed by the host enzymes and are fermented by
intestinal microbiota (Flickinger and Fahey, 2002). Mannan-oligosaccharides provide
competitive binding sites for pathogens with mannose-specific type-1 fimbriae such as
salmonella and E. coli and decrease their attachment with intestinal wall and are
ultimately excreted from the gut (Newman, 1994; Ferket et al., 2002). It has been
demonstrated that MOS supplementation constantly increases the cecal populations of
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Lactobacillus spp. and Bifidobacterium spp. (Yang et al., 2009; Oyofo et al., 1989;
Spring et al., 2000; Baurhoo et al., 2007).
Prebiotics have been shown to have a positive effect on growth performance in
poultry. Prebiotics improved body weight and feed conversion efficiency of turkeys
(Sims et al., 2004; Fritts and Waldrop, 2003). Hooge et al. (2003) investigated that
dietary MOS supplementation has significant improvement in body weight, feed
conversion ratio in broilers without any effect on mortality.
Prebiotics, especially, oligofructose, gluco-oligosaccharide, and galacto-
oligosaccharide have been found to stimulate absorption of several minerals, particularly
magnesium, calcium, and iron in rats (Scholz-Ahrens et al., 2001). Van den Heuvel et al.
(1998) investigated the effect of these prebiotics on calcium and iron absorption at a
much lower dose in healthy, adult human. Neither inulin nor the fructo- or galacto-
oligosaccharides increased calcium or iron absorption. Coudray et al. (1997) found that
inulin increased calcium absorption in man, while had no effect on the other minerals.
Ghosh et al. (2008) also reported that MOS had no significant effect on plasma minerals
of Japanese quail except Ca level that was higher in MOS-supplemented birds compared
to control birds.
Very little data is available regarding growth-promoting effects of MOS in
Japanese quail and on the mineral absorption. Keeping in view the existing knowledge it
is hypothesized that MOS supplementation can enhance mineral absorption and improve
growth performance of Japanese quail.
OBJECTIVE
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The present study was conducted to investigate effects of Mannan-
oligosaccharides (MOS) supplementation on production performance, cecal microbial
population and mineral absorption in Japanese quail.
CHAPTER-2
LITERATURE REVIEW
PREBIOTICS
Prebiotics are non-digestible food ingredients that beneficially affect the host by
selectively stimulating the growth and /or activity of one or a limited number of bacteria
(Gibson et al., 2004). Prebiotics modify the composition of the intestinal microbiota,
especially health promoting bacteria, lactobacilli and bifidobacteria which improve the
host’s health. In order for a food ingredient to be considered a prebiotic, it must have
following properties.
It must be neither hydrolyzed by host enzymes nor absorbed in the upper part of
gastrointestinal tract.
It must be selectively fermented by one or a limited number of beneficial bacteria.
It must alter the intestinal microbiota and their activities in the host.
It must preferably induce effects that are beneficial to the host health.
(Gibson and Roberfroid, 1995 and Patterson and Burkholder, 2003)
The fermentable substances that can acts as prebiotics are non-starch
polysaccharides, dietary resistant starch, and non digestible oligosaccharides (Piva et
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al., 1996; Jacobasch et al., 1999). The most dominant candidates for acting as
prebiotics are non-digestible oligosaccharides (Bauer et al., 2006).
MANNAN OLIGOSACCHARIDES
Carbohydrates are important structural components of the majority of cell-surface
and secreted proteins of animal cells (Osborn and Khan 2000). Oligosaccharides are
formed when 2-10 monosaccharide molecules are joined together to form a larger
molecule. More than 10 monosaccharide molecules joined together to make a
polysaccharide. Mannose is a monosaccharide that forms the building block of Mannan-
oligosaccharides (MOS). Mannose-based oligosaccharides occur naturally in cell walls of
the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and obtained by centrifugation of lysed yeast culture
(Spring et al., 2000). The commercially available product Bio-Mos® (Alltech, Inc.,
Nicholasville, KY) is a source of MOS from Saccharomyces cerevisiae cell walls. This
product was introduced in 1993 as a feed additive for broiler chickens (Hooge, 2003).The
small intestine does not contain the digestive enzymes required to break down mannan-
oligosaccharide bonds, therefore they arrive at the large intestine intact after ingestion
and passage through the small intestine (Strickling et al., 2000). A proposed mechanism
of prebiotic action is given in Fig.1.
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Fig. 1: A proposed mechanism of prebiotic action to improve health (Crittenden, 1999)
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Scholz-Ahrens et al. (2001) studied effects of prebiotics on mineral metabolism.
Non digestible oligosaccharides (NDO) have been found to stimulate absorption of
several minerals and to improve mineralization of bone. The scientific evidence for the
functional effects of NDO is based on animal experiments in which NDO increased the
availability of calcium, magnesium, zinc, and iron. This stimulatory effect of some NDO
is assumed to be mainly due to their prebiotic character. It stimulates the growth and
activity of bacteria with beneficial effects on health of the host. These findings were also
confirmed in human studies. The effects seem to be specific for the type of carbohydrate
and are likely related to the rate of fermentation by the intestinal flora and appear to
depend on the ingested dose.
Fairchild et al. (2001) studied the effects of hen age, Escherichia coli, and
dietary Bio-Mos and Flavomycin on poult performance. Day-of-hatch BUTA (BIG-6)
male poults were gavaged orally (1 mL) with approximately 10(8) cfu/mL E. coli
composed of four serotypes or sterile carrier broth. A mixture of the same E. coli cultures
was added to the poult’s water troughs to attain a concentration of approximately 10(6)
cfu/mL on a weekly basis to ensure a continuous bacterial challenge. Within each E. coli
split plot treatment group, poults from hens of different ages were fed diets containing
Bio-Mos, Flavomycin, Bio-Mos plus Flavomycin, or a control diet, in a randomized
complete block design. This experiment yielded eight treatments per challenge group.
During E. coli challenge, dietary Bio-Mos and Flavomycin improved poult BW and BW
gains. When poults were not challenged with E. coli, poults from old hens had improved
BW and cumulative BW gains over poults from young hens. Cumulative 3-wk BW gains
for unchallenged poults from young hens were improved by Bio-Mos and Flavomycin
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alone and in combination when compared to the control diet. It may be concluded that
dietary Bio-Mos and Flavomycin can improve the overall performance of poults,
especially when they are faced with an E. coli challenge.
Fernandez et al. (2002) conducted different studies to investigate the effects of
mash diet, or mash supplemented with either MOS or palm kernel meal (PKM) and
caecal contents of hens (HCC) fed with mash on the major microflora groups of chicks,
and their inhibitory effect on Salmonella colonization and the effect over time of diets
supplemented with MOS or PKM on S. Enteritidis colonization and the microflora of
chicks. In hens, supplemented diets increased Bifidobacterium spp., while decreasing
members of Enterobacteriaceae and Enterococcus spp., compared with the mash diet.
Chicks dosed with the HCC showed, on average, increased numbers of anaerobes, while
the numbers of aerobes decreased including coliforms and S. Enteritidis compared with
controls without HCC. In chicks fed the MOS-supplemented or PKM-supplemented
diets, S. Enteritidis colonization decreased over time, compared with mash alone. Four-
week-old PKM birds showed an increase in Bifidobacterium spp. and Lactobacillus spp.,
with a decrease in S. Enteritidis compared with week 2. Generally, the HCC and diets
supplemented with MOS or PKM affected the bird’s intestinal microflora by increasing
the Bifidobacterium spp. and Lactobacillus spp., while decreasing the Enterobacteriaceae
groups. They also reduced susceptibility in young chickens to colonization by S.
Enteritidis.
Spais et al. (2003) studied effect of the mannan-oligosaccharide on broiler
performance. A total of 53,040 one day-old Cobb chicks, randomly divided into two
groups were used in a feeding trial that lasted 40 days. One of the groups was fed on a
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basal commercial starter diet, while the other was given up to day 10 of age the same diet
supplemented with the mannan-oligosaccharide Bio-MOS at the level of 1.5 g/kg of feed.
From day 11 of age and thereafter, Bio-Mos administration was discontinued and both
groups were given the same basal commercial grower and finisher diets. Results showed
that chickens in the Bio-Mos fed group exhibited a significant (P<0.05) improvement in
body weight compared to control at day 10 and day 40 of age. Feed intake per bird and
feed conversion ratios demonstrated a significant (P<0.05) improvement for the Bio-Mos
group. Mortality rate was lower in the Bio-Mos group compared to control, however, the
difference was not statistically (P>0.05) significant.
Parlat et al. (2003) conducted an experiment to evaluate the effects of mannan-
oligosaccharides (MOS) or Virginiamycin (VM) on the growth performance of Japanese
quails. The quails were assigned to 4 dietary treatments: Control, MOS, VM or
MOS+VM. Individual body weight and feed consumption were recorded weekly.
Mortality was recorded when occurred. All treatments significantly (P<0.05) increased
body weight for 5 wk, and improved feed conversion ratio for 0-3 and 3-5 and 0-5 wk.
There were no treatment effects for feed consumption during trial. Dietary supplemental
MOS, VM or MOS+VM resulted in improved growth performance of Japanese quails.
These results indicate that MOS may be utilized as an alternative to antibiotic growth
promoter to improve the quail performance.
Hooge et al. (2003) conducted a study to compare the efficacy of commercial
mannan oligosaccharide (MOS) as an alternative growth promoter to Bacitracin
Methylene Disalicylate (BMD) followed by virginiamycin (VM). Feed phases were 0 to
21, 21 to 42, and 42 to 49 d. In experiment 1, treatment effects were non significant at 21
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d. At 49 d, BMD or MOS significantly (P < 0.05) improved body weight and feed
conversion ratio and increased feed expense per bird and net income per bird, without
affecting mortality, compared with control group.
In experiment 2, there were 6 dietary treatments: The BMD + MOS, VM + MOS
shuttle program gave best body weight, feed conversion, and mortality at 21 and 49 d of
age resulting in the lowest feed expense and highest net return per bird. It was concluded
that MOS supported live performance equivalent to BMD followed by VM and had an
additive effect when combined with the antibiotics.
Hooge (2004) studied the global broiler chicken pen trial reports (1993-2003) and
analyze statistically to determine effects of mannan-oligosaccharide (Bio-Mos)
supplemented diets versus negative control (nCON) or antibiotic supplemented positive
control (pCON) diets. Results were averaged "by treatments" and "by trials" using Paired
T-test to compare nCON and pCON means with corresponding MOS means. Slightly
different answers but similar patterns emerged by these methods.
Considering results averaged by trials, MOS diets improved the BW and lowered
mortality compared to nCON diets. Relative improvements using MOS feeds compared
to the pCON diets were non significant. The MOS diets significantly (P = 0.008) lowered
mortality relative to pCON diets, indicating a strong beneficial effect. The MOS diets
improved BW and FCR comparable to those of pCON diets but significantly lowered
MORT compared to antibiotic diets.
Tarasewicz et al. (2004) studied influence of oligosaccharides isolated from pea
seeds on functional quality of quail. The birds were divided into three feeding groups
(two replications) of 48 female and 16 male birds each. Quail of the first group were fed a
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standard feed, those of group 2 and 3 received feed enriched with oligosaccharides at a
dose of 0.4 g and 3 g, respectively. The oligosaccharide-enriched feed reduced the time
of maturation, increased egg laying capacity and egg weight, and also decreased the
consumption of feed per egg. No clear influence of the oligosaccharide supplementation
was found as far as the blood cholesterol and triglyceride content was concerned and
gammaglobulin in the eggs. The quail of the groups receiving oligosaccharides had lower
bifidobacteria counts in their digestive tracts.
Sims et al. (2004) studied effects of dietary mannan oligosaccharide, Bacitracin
Methylene Disalicylate (BMD), or both on the live performance and intestinal
microbiology of turkeys. Four dietary treatments were used: one negative control (CON)
and other three diets formulated with different levels of MOS and BMD. The BMD and
MOS turkeys were heavier than CON birds, and those fed the combination were
significantly heavier than all other treatments. At wk 18, BMD + MOS feed conversion
ratio was significantly lower than CON and with BMD and MOS being intermediate.
Mortality was not affected by treatment. The BMD and MOS each reduced large
intestinal concentrations of Clostridium perfringens at wk 6 but not at wk 18. The BMD
or MOS each improved turkey performance, and when used together, exhibited further
beneficial effects.
Oguz and Parlat (2004) studied effects of dietary mannan oligosaccharide on
performance of Japanese quail affected by aflatoxicosis. The potential of the mannan
oligosaccharide (MOS) to ameliorate the effects of aflatoxicosis was examined in
growing Japanese quail. The product was incorporated in the diet at 1 g/kg and was
evaluated for its ability to reduce the deleterious effects of 2 mg total aflatoxin /kg diet on
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Japanese quail chicks from 10 to 45 days of age. Forty 10-d old Japanese quail chicks
were assigned in a 2x2 factorial arrangement of treatments to four groups (Control, AF,
MOS, AF plus MOS), each consisting of 10 quails. The addition of AF alone
significantly decreased feed consumption and body weight gain from the first week
onwards. A significant adverse effect of AF on the feed conversion ratio was also
observed from week 4 onwards. The addition of MOS to the AF-containing diet
significantly reduced these adverse effects of AF on feed consumption, body weight gain
and feed conversion ratio. The cumulative body weight gain was 22.0% lower in the
quails consuming a diet containing AF without MOS as compared to the control group.
However, it was only 2.3% lower that the control in the birds fed the diet containing the
AF plus MOS.
Flemming et al. (2004) carried out a study with 2,400 broilers to compare the
effect of the use of mannan-oligosaccharides, Saccharomyces cerevisiae cell wall or
growth promoter (Olaquindox) in the diet on broiler. Diets were based on corn and
soybean meal. A completely randomized experimental design was used, and the obtained
data was evaluated by analysis of variance and test of Tukey at a level of 5%. Feed
intake, daily weight gain, feed conversion ratio, and mortality were measured. It was
concluded that the effect of the inclusion of mannan-oligosaccharides in the diet on the
studied parameters was significantly higher as compared to the inclusion of cell wall or to
the control diet, but the effect was not different as compared to the inclusion of growth
promoter.
Parks et al. (2005) studied effects of virginiamycin and a mannan-
oligosaccharide-virginiamycin shuttle program on growth performance, body weight
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uniformity, and carcass yield characteristics of large white female turkeys. Diets
containing no growth promoter, VM, or a shuttle program of MOS and VM were fed to
Hybrid female turkeys.
Body weights and feed consumption were recorded at 3-wk intervals, and
mortality and culled birds were recorded daily. At the conclusion of the trial, 2 birds per
pen were randomly chosen for carcass yield analysis. Feeding VM alone significantly
increased body weight compared with control fed birds during all periods. The MOS-VM
shuttle program resulted in early growth depression for birds less than 3 wk of age,
possibly influenced by an unplanned cold stress, but better growth than the non
medicated control birds after 6 wk of age. Birds fed VM had superior (P < 0.05) feed
conversion ratio from 0 to 3 wk, which persisted until 14 wk (P < 0.10). There were no
treatments effects on overall feed consumption, uniformity, mortality, or cull rate.
Processing yields or weight of various parts were also unaffected by treatment.
Blake et al. (2006) conducted a series of four consecutive studies on built-up litter
to compare efficacy of a commercial mannan-oligosaccharide (Bio-Mos) and BMD when
broilers were fed wheat based diet. In each trial a total of 1500 broiler chicks were
obtained. Built-up litter was used throughout with one flock reared on the litter prior to
trial initiation and experimental groups were maintained on litter from the same
treatments with no top dressing between flocks. Broilers were subjected to three
treatments, control, Bacitracin Methylene Disalycilate (BMD) or mannan oligosaccharide
(MOS). Birds were fed starter, grower and finisher diets. Diets were corn-wheat soybean
meal based to include 30% wheat and 600 units/ton xylanase. Coban was used in starter
and grower diets. Diets and water were ad libitum and light was 23D:1L. Birds and feed
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were weighed at 14, 28 d and at a target weight of 2.2 kg. Results from combined data
analysis indicate highly significant (P < 0.0009) improvements in BW with MOS and
BMD over CON at 14 d. These differences diminished by 28 and 37 d, but MOS and
BMD showed numerically greater improvements in body weight. Feed consumption at 14
d was greatest for BMD intermediate for MOS and lowest for CON, after which no
differences in FCR were noted. Results indicate that the addition of Bio-Mos to the diet
had an influence in promoting bodyweight increases over the control diet early in the
growing period, typically from the 0-14 d period. The combination of continued use and
long-term effects indicate that cumulative improvements in performance may be
attributed to the use of specific feed additives such as Bio-Mos.
Solis et al. (2007) studied effect of Alphamune, mannan-oligosaccharide in turkey
poults. Two trials were conducted to evaluate the effects of Alphamune on gut maturation
of 7- and 21-d-old turkey poults. Poults were fed a standard control unmedicated turkey
starter diet or the same diet supplemented with Alphamune. Poults were weighed on d 7
and 21, On d 7, BW was higher for the poults given the Alphamune treatments compared
with control poults; however, no differences were observed on d 21.
Baurhoo et al. (2007) conducted a study to evaluate lignin and mannan
oligosaccharides as potential alternatives to antibiotic growth promoters in broilers.
Dietary treatments included an antibiotic-free diet (CTL–), a positive control (CTL+), and
an antibiotic-free diet containing Bio-Mos or Alcell lignin. Body weight and feed
conversion were recorded weekly. Cecal contents were assayed for Escherichia coli,
Salmonella, lactobacilli, and bifidobacteria, and the litter was analyzed for E. coli and
Salmonella. Birds fed the CTL– diet were heavier (P < 0.05) than those fed the other
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dietary treatments, but feed conversion was not affected by dietary treatments. Birds fed
MOS had greater lactobacilli numbers than those fed the CTL+ diet and also increased the
populations of bifidobacteria in the ceca. Litter E. coli load was lower in birds fed MOS
than in birds fed the CTL+ diet. Broiler performance was similar in birds fed antibiotics
or antibiotic-free diets containing either MOS or lignin.
Ghosh et al. (2007) conducted an experiment to determine the effect of dietary
supplementation of organic acid and mannon-oligosaccharide on the performance and gut
health of Japanese quail. Day old chicks of Japanese quail (n=280) were randomly
assigned into seven dietary treatments replicated four times with ten chicks per replicate.
Control (Co) birds were given a standard basal diet; and diets for T1-T6 birds will be
formulated with different levels of MOS (prebiotic) and organic acid salts (OAS).
Statistical analysis reveals that OAS supplementation increased live weight, live weight
gain compared to control (C).Cumulative feed intake was not significantly affected due to
dietary treatments. Superior results in term of feed conversion ratio (FCR) and
performance index (PI) were found in MOS supplemented groups compared to others.
Organic acid salts with MOS improved gut health by reducing bacterial load compared to
control and other groups.
Yang et al. (2007) conducted a trial to study influence of MOS on growth
performance and bacteriological, morphological and functional aspects of small intestine
in broiler chickens at different ages. Three dietary treatments were used: a negative
control without MOS, a positive control (Zn Bacitracin), and 2 g of MOS/kg of diet. The
MOS supplementation has improved BW gain compared with the negative control in
early life. Total anaerobic bacteria, lactic acid bacteria, and Clostridium perfringens were
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not affected by the supplementation of MOS. Coliform bacteria were increased in young
birds treated with MOS. In the current study conducted under hygienic experimental
conditions, the addition of MOS did not show a clear positive effect on performance of
broilers.
Yang et al. (2008) studied effects of mannan-oligosaccharide (MOS) on the
growth performance, nutrient digestibility and gut development of broilers given a corn
or a wheat-based diet over a 21-day experimental period. Dietary MOS improved the
growth performance of birds given the wheat-based diet compared to that of birds given
the corn-based diet during 7-21 days of age. The addition of MOS modulated the
development of gut microflora. From day 7 to day 21, the numbers of mucosa-associated
coliforms along the small intestine were decreased; whereas the numbers of mucosa-
associated lactobacilli were increased by MOS. Dietary MOS also reduced the counts of
coliforms and Clostridium perfringens in the ceca of birds by 21 days of age. All these
changes were dependent on the type of cereal and the age of the birds.
Yang et al. (2008) studied effects of mannan-oligosaccharide on the growth
performance and digestive system, particularly gut microflora using 1-d-old birds in an
Escherichia coli challenge model. The experiment lasted for 3 weeks and zinc bacitracin
(ZnB) was used as a positive control. Statistical analysis showed that dietary MOS had
positive effects on body weight gain (BWG) and feed conversion efficiency (FCE) of the
challenged birds compared to the negative control. Similar results were obtained for ZnB
treatment. The addition of MOS reduced the number of mucosa-associated coliforms in
the jejunum of the challenged birds on d 7. The number of Clostridium perfringens in the
gut lumen was reduced by only ZnB. In conclusion, the effects of MOS on the
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composition and activities of gut microflora and mucosal morphology of birds were
related to E. coli challenge as well as the age of birds, which may be involved in the
observed different growth-improving effects of the tested dietary additives.
Ghosh et al. (2008) conducted an experiment to determine the influence of
organic acid salts (OAS) and MOS on carcass traits and plasma minerals of Japanese
quail. Day old chicks of Japanese quail (n=280) were randomly assigned into seven
dietary treatments replicated four times with ten chicks per replicate. Control birds were
given a standard basal diet; and diets for T1-T6 birds were formulated with different
levels of MOS and organic acid salts. Statistical analysis reveals that OAS and MOS had
non-significant effect on carcass traits and plasma minerals except calcium level which is
varied significantly among the experimental groups due to dietary treatments.
Benites et al. (2008) conducted a trial on broiler chickens to evaluate the effects
of dietary mannan-oligosaccharide (MOS) from either of 2 commercial products, Bio-
Mos or SAF-Mannan, each at 2 levels of inclusion on live performance. Diets were fed in
3 phases, and treatments included a control, 2 Bio-Mos treatments, and 2 SAF-Mannan
treatments, Birds fed Bio-Mos diets had significantly greater BW at 42 d than birds fed
control or SAF-Mannan-supplemented diets, whereas results for Feed consumption was
lower from 0 to 21 d in the SAF-Mannan treatments compared with other treatments. No
significant differences were found for feed conversion or mortality for any of the
treatments. Overall, Bio-Mos had a greater effect on bird BW compared with the other
variables measured.
Mohamed et al. (2008) performed an experiment in which natural growth
promoter (MOS) was compared with an antibiotic growth promoter (enramycin) on
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performance and carcass characteristics of broiler chicks. Four treatment groups were
made which are, a diet of no supplement served as a control, basal diet with MOS (1g/kg)
and basal diet +Enramycin (0.35g/kg) while another diet was supplemented with both
MOS and Enramycin. The dietary treatments were fed to four replicates of 15 chicks
each. The results indicated that addition of MOS, enramycin or the combination of both
did slightly improve body weight gain compared to the control diet. Feed conversion ratio
were significantly improved by the addition of MOS, enramycin or the combination of
both. No significant effects on liver, heart and gizzard weight were detected. It is
concluded, that MOS might be used as an alternative to growth-promoting enramycin in
broiler diets.
Sahin et al. (2008) carried out an experiment to determine the effect of dietary
supplementation of combiotics (probiotics + prebiotics +makrotone) on body wt gain,
feed consumption and feed conversion ratio. A total of 264 daily Japanese quail chicks
(coturnix coturnix japonica) were used in the experiment. They were divided in 1 control
and 3 treatment groups each containing 66 chicks. The experimental period lasted for 35
days. Control group was fed with supplemental basal diet. 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5g/kg combiotic
was added to diet of treatment groups 1, 2 and 3 respectively. At the end of experiment,
the effects of combiotic supplementation to diet on the BWG, FC and carcass yield of
quail were not statistically significant among the groups (p>0.05).
Bozkurt et al. (2008) investigated the effect of dietary supplementation with an
antibiotic growth promoter (AGP) and two prebiotics; mannan oligosaccharide (MOS)
and dextrin oligosaccharide (DOS), respectively, on growth performance of broilers. One
thousand and two hundred day-old broiler chicks (Ross 308) were assigned to the four
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treatment groups. The four treatments were as Basal diet, Basal diet + antibiotic, Basal
Values represent the Mean ± S.E. of four groups of quail chicks.a-b Values within columns with no common superscripts are significantly different (P<0.05).
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TABLE 4.3: Mean feed conversion ratio (FCR) of control and MOS supplemented groups of quails.TREATEMENT
Values represent the Mean ± S.E. of four groups of quail chicks.a-b Values within columns with no common superscripts are significantly different (P<0.05).
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TABLE 4.4: Mean body weights (g) of control and MOS supplemented groups of quails.GROUPS INITIAL BODY WEIGHT(g) BODY WEİGHT(g)
A (control) 7.8±0.12 191.25±2.28ab
B (1.0 %-MOS) 7.97±0.10 193.87±1.34a
C (0.5 %- MOS) 7.93±0.09 187.75±1.30b
D (0.1 %-MOS) 8.08±0.18 193.18±1.46a
Values represent the Mean ± S.E. of four groups of quail chicks a-b Values within columns with no common superscripts are significantly different (P<0.05).
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TABLE 4.5: Mean relative visceral organs weight (g) of control and MOS supplemented groups of quails.
RELATIVE WEIGHTS
(g/g BW)
TREATEMENT GROUPS
A B C D
Small intestine with digesta 3.72 ± 0.16 3.91 ± 0.12 4.09 ± 0.13 3.98 ± 0.15
Small Intestine without digesta 2.45 ± 0.09 2.51 ± 0.06 2.51 ± 0.07 2.49 ± 0.11
Values represent the Mean ± S.E. of four groups of quail chicks.a-b Values within rows with no common superscripts are significantly different (P<0.05).Group A (control) Group B (1% MOS), Group C (0.5% MOS) or Group D (0.1% MOS). BW=body weight.
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TABLE 4.6: Mean relative visceral organs length (cm) of control and MOS supplemented groups of quails.
RELATIVE LENGTHS
(cm/g BW)
TREATEMENT GROUPS
A B C D
Small intestine with digesta 30.32 ± 0.63 29.93 ± 0.75 31.12 ± 0.65 30.69 ± 0.60
Values represent the Mean ± S.E. of four groups of quail chicks. Group A (control) Group B (1% MOS), Group C (0.5% MOS) or Group D (0.1% MOS). BW=body weight
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TABLE 4.7: Mean serum mineral concentrations of control and MOS supplemented groups of quails.ATTRIBUTES TREATEMENT GROUPS