Efficacy of a yeast derivative on broiler performance, intestinal morphology and blood profile

In the course of the trial a positive influence was observed by supplementation of YD. On day 35 body weight (BW) (1520 g) and daily weight gain (42.37 g/day) were greater in birds receiving 1 kg/t of YD compared to the control (1374 g BW, 38.18 g/day, respectively; P = 0.05). Supplementation with 2 kg/t of YD did not improve 35 day BW but did improve cumulative feed-to-gain ratio by 13% (P < 0.05) versus birds fed the control diet. Histological evaluation demonstrated greater goblet cell density in birds fed either concentration of YD (P < 0.05). Villus height and crypt depth, however, were unaffected. Apoptotic enterocytes were decreased by both concentrations of YD (P = 0.02). Supplementation of YD had no effect on blood cell counts (P > 0.05). The inclusion of YD in diets of broilers was able to improve broiler performance, intestinal goblet cell numbers and to reduce numbers of enterocytes undergoing apoptosis.