The Effects of Fastrack¨ and Sodium Bicarbonate on Performance of Broilers

Authors: Recep KAHRAMAN, Müjdat ALP, Neşe KOCABAĞLI, Gülcan IRMAK, H. Servet ŞENEL

Abstract: The aim of this study was to determine the effects of sodium bicarbonate and/or two different levels of probiotic (Fastrack¨) on the body weight gain and feed efficiency of broiler-type chicks. Broilers were grown on diets supplemented with 0.5% NaHCO3, 0.075% Fastrack¨, 0.075% Fastrack¨ + 0.5% NaHCO3, 0.15% Fastrack¨, 0.15% Fastrack¨ + 0.5% NaHCO3 and the control diet for 49 days. The results of the experiment showed that the body weight of broilers in groups treated with only sodium bicarbonate was higher the other treated groups (P<0.05. However, the body wight of broilers in groups treated with sodium bicarbonate together with 0.15% Fastrack was lower than that of the other groups. The feed efficiency of broilers in groups treated with Fastrack (0.15%) was higher than that of the other groups. These results indicated that NaHCO3 supplementation has a positive effect on broiler performance, but this effect disappeared when probiotic was added.

Keywords: Probiotic, sodium bicarbonate, broiler, body weight gain, feed efficiency