Thesis Abstract

Abstract
The poultry industry plays a crucial role in meeting the global demand for animal protein, with broiler chickens being one of the most widely consumed sources of meat worldwide. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in exploring alternative strategies to promote the growth performance and health of broiler chickens without relying solely on antibiotics. Probiotics, live microorganisms that confer health benefits when administered in adequate amounts, have emerged as a promising feed additive for improving gut health and performance in broiler chickens. This thesis aimed to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with probiotics on the growth performance and gut health of broiler chickens. Chapter 1 provides an introduction to the research topic, including the background of the study, problem statement, objectives, limitations, scope, significance, structure of the thesis, and definition of key terms. Chapter 2 presents a comprehensive literature review covering ten key aspects related to the use of probiotics in poultry nutrition, highlighting the existing knowledge gaps and the potential benefits of probiotic supplementation in broiler production. Chapter 3 outlines the research methodology employed in this study, including the experimental design, sample collection, probiotic supplementation protocol, growth performance measurements, gut health assessments, and statistical analysis methods. The chapter also discusses the ethical considerations and constraints faced during the research process. In Chapter 4, the findings of the study are elaborated, focusing on the impact of probiotic supplementation on the growth parameters, feed efficiency, nutrient digestibility, gut microbiota composition, and immune responses of broiler chickens. The discussion delves into the mechanisms underlying the observed effects and compares the results with existing literature to draw meaningful conclusions. Lastly, Chapter 5 presents a concise summary of the key findings, conclusions drawn from the study, implications for the poultry industry, and recommendations for future research directions. The thesis concludes by emphasizing the potential of probiotics as a viable and sustainable strategy to enhance the growth performance and gut health of broiler chickens while reducing reliance on antibiotics. Overall, this thesis contributes valuable insights into the use of probiotics as a feed supplement to optimize the production efficiency and health outcomes of broiler chickens, paving the way for further advancements in sustainable poultry nutrition practices.

Thesis Overview

The project titled "Effect of dietary supplementation with probiotics on growth performance and gut health in broiler chickens" aims to investigate the impact of incorporating probiotics into the diet of broiler chickens on their growth performance and gut health. Probiotics are live microorganisms that are known to confer health benefits on the host when administered in adequate amounts. In recent years, there has been increasing interest in the use of probiotics as feed supplements to promote the growth and overall well-being of poultry, including broiler chickens. The research will delve into the background of the study, highlighting the significance of understanding the role of probiotics in poultry nutrition and health. The project will address the existing gap in knowledge regarding the specific effects of probiotics on broiler chicken growth and gut health, emphasizing the need for evidence-based practices in poultry production. The study will begin with a comprehensive literature review to explore the current understanding of probiotics and their potential benefits in poultry farming. This will provide a theoretical framework for the research and help in formulating hypotheses to be tested during the study. The methodology section will outline the experimental design, including the selection of probiotic strains, feeding protocols, and data collection procedures. The study will involve feeding broiler chickens with a controlled diet supplemented with probiotics for a specified duration, followed by the evaluation of growth parameters and gut health indicators. The findings from the research will be discussed in detail, focusing on the effects of probiotic supplementation on growth performance metrics such as weight gain, feed conversion ratio, and mortality rates. Additionally, the study will analyze gut health parameters, including intestinal morphology, microbial composition, and immune response in the chickens. The conclusion will summarize the key findings of the study and draw implications for the practical application of probiotics in broiler chicken production. The research outcomes will contribute to the body of knowledge on poultry nutrition and provide valuable insights for poultry farmers and stakeholders in enhancing the health and productivity of broiler chickens through dietary interventions. Overall, the project on the "Effect of dietary supplementation with probiotics on growth performance and gut health in broiler chickens" holds promise for advancing sustainable and efficient poultry production practices that prioritize animal welfare and performance through the strategic use of probiotic supplements.