Enzyme-Enhanced Symbiotics: A Sustainable Alternative to Antibiotic Growth Promoters in Broiler Chickens
Keywords:
Synbiotics; enzymes; broiler chickens; productive parameters; intestinal morphometry; immunoglobulins; digestibilit.
Abstract
This study evaluated the effect of dietary supplementation with enzyme-enhanced symbiotic on productive, immunological, digestive, and histo-morphological parameters in broiler chickens. The research was conducted under commercial conditions in the Balsas canton, El Oro province (Ecuador), using a longitudinal experimental design. A total of 84,000 birds were randomly allocated to four treatments: T0 (control), T1 (0.01%), T2 (0.03%), and T3 (0.05%) symbiotic, all combined with 0.01% protease enzymes. Productive performance, apparent digestibility, intestinal morphometry, and serum immunoglobulins (IgY, IgM, IgA) were assessed on days 1 and 21 of age. Treatment T2 (0.03%) yielded the best zootechnical performance, with greater weight gain, more efficient feed conversion, and enhanced intestinal mucosal development, as evidenced by increased villus length and density. Additionally, T2 improved crude protein and fat digestibility and significantly stimulated IgM production, suggesting more effective enteric immune activation. In contrast, T3 (0.05%) exhibited negative effects on intestinal morphology and weight gain, indicating that higher concentrations may cause physiological interference. No clear dose-dependent trend was observed for crude fiber and dry matter digestibility. Statistical analysis confirmed significant differences (p < 0.05) among treatments. In conclusion, supplementation with 0.03% symbiotic enhanced with enzymes proved to be the most effective strategy for improving intestinal health, nutrient utilization, and productive performance in broiler chickens, establishing itself as a promising functional alternative for intensive poultry systems.
References
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[10] Cepero, R. (2013). Withdrawal of Growth-Promoting Antibiotics in the European Union: Causes and Consequences. Spanish Association of Poultry Science. Retrieved 7 March 2025, from https://www.wpsa-aeca.es/aeca_imgs_docs/24_01_30_MEXICO05-RCB.pdf
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[13] Cuenca, M., Chauca, J., García, C., & Sigüencia, H. (2022). Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a Replacement Alternative to Growth-Promoting Antibiotics in Animal Feed. Archivos de Zootecnia, 71(273), 62–69.
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[17] Ding, X., Li, D., Bai, S., Wang, J., Zeng, Q., Su, Z., Xuan, Y., & Zhang, K. (2018). Effect of Dietary Xylooligosaccharides on Intestinal Characteristics, Gut Microbiota, Cecal Short-Chain Fatty Acids, and Plasma Immune Parameters of Laying Hens. Poultry Science, 97(3), 874–881. https://doi.org/10.3382/ps/pex372
[18] Dong, S., Li, L., Hao, F., Fang, Z., Zhong, R., Wu, J., & Fang, X. (2024). Improving Quality of Poultry and Its Meat Products with Probiotics, Prebiotics, and Phytoextracts. Poultry Science, 103(2), 1–12.
[19] Dwain, R., & Vallentine, J. (2011). Forage Quality – Digestibility. Encyclopedia of Dairy Sciences. Second Edition. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/food-science/digestibility
[20] Edens, F. (2003). An Alternative to Antibiotic Use in Poultry: Probiotics. Brazilian Journal of Poultry Science, 5(2), 1–8. https://doi.org/10.1590/S1516-635X2003000200001
[21] Espinosa, I., Báez, M., Hernández, R., López, Y., Lobo, E., & Corona, B. (2019). Antimicrobial Resistance in Bacteria of Animal Origin: Challenges for Its Containment from the Laboratory. Revista de Salud Animal, 41(3), 1–19.
[22] Fu, Ch., Ali, A., Ullah, R., Shuaib, M., & Wanapat, M. (2023). Emerging Trends and Applications in Health-Boosting Microorganisms – Specific Strains for Enhancing Animal Health. Microbial Pathogenesis, 183, 1–6. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.micpath.2023.106290
[23] Giménez, R., & Calvo, F. (2024). Reformulating Diets in Times of High Costs. AviNews. https://avinews.com/download/1124-IFF-Dietas-avinews-def-copia.pdf
[24] González, A., Ponce, L., Alcivar, J., Valverde, Y., & Gabriel, J. (2020). Nutritional Supplementation with Growth Promoters in Cobb 500 Broiler Chickens. Journal of Selva Andina Animal Science, 7(1), 3–16.
[25] González, N., Ayala, J., & Correa, L. (2020). Strategies for Stimulating Sustainable Economy in the Poultry Sector of the Balsas Canton, El Oro Province. Revista Científica Agroecosistemas, 8(1), 23–28.
[26] Gutiérrez, L., Montoya, O., & Vélez, J. (2013). Probiotics: A Clean Production Alternative and Replacement for Growth-Promoting Antibiotics in Animal Feeding. Producción + Limpia, 135–146.
[27] Gutiérrez, M. (2018, 9 January). Ecuadorian Poultry Farmers Announce They Are Producing at a Loss. Revista AviNews. https://avinews.com/avicultores-ecuatorianos-anuncian-que-estan-produciendo-a-perdidas/
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[29] Jalantha, P., Sudhakar, G., Pazhanivel, N., Parthiban, M., Veeramani, P., Sarath, G., Soundararajan, C., & Biswadeep, B. (2024). Behavioural Changes and Clinical Signs in Broiler Chickens with Induced Aflatoxicosis and Improvement with Probiotics and Silymarin. The Indian Veterinary Journal, 101(2), 39–43. https://doi.org/10.62757/IVA.2024.101.2.39-43
[30] Jaramillo, J. (2023). Chicken Meat Consumption in Ecuador Increased by 3.14% in 2022. El Comercio, p. 4. https://www.elcomercio.com/actualidad/ecuador/ecuador-consumo-carne-pollo-aumento-2022/
[31] Juárez, P., Cortes, A., Arce, J., Del Río, J., Gómez, J., & Avila, E. (2020). Effect of a Multienzymatic Complex and a Probiotic on Laying Hens Fed Soya-Canola-Sorghum Diets. Revista Mexicana de Ciencias Pecuarias, 11(2), 369–379. https://doi.org/10.22319/rmcp.v11i2.4843
[32] Jurado, H., & Zambrano, E. (2020). Effect of Microencapsulated Lactobacillus casei on Intestinal Health and Biochemical and Productive Parameters in Broiler Chickens. Revista UDCA Actualidad & Divulgación Científica, 23(2), e1480, 1–10.
[33] Jurado, H., Zambrano, E., & Pazos, A. (2021). Addition of a Microencapsulated Lactobacillus plantarum Probiotic in Broiler Chicken Feed. Universidad Salud, 23(2), 151–161.
[34] Majó, N., & Dolz, R. (2011). Atlas of Avian Necropsy. Servet, Zaragoza, Spain. First edition, 1–82.
[35] Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock – MAG. (2023). Ecuador Exports Chicken Meat for the First Time. Retrieved 5 March 2025, from https://www.agricultura.gob.ec/ecuador-exporta-por-primera-vez-carne-de-pollo/
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Published
2025-07-03
How to Cite
Andrade-Muyulema Erick, Ramírez-Gallardo Bismarck, & Cuenca-Condoy Mercy. (2025). Enzyme-Enhanced Symbiotics: A Sustainable Alternative to Antibiotic Growth Promoters in Broiler Chickens. Revista Electronica De Veterinaria, 26(1), 165-175. https://doi.org/10.69980/redvet.v26i1.2041
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Articles
