Mannan oligosaccharides (MOS) from Saccharomyces cerevisiae in broilers: Effects on performance and blood biochemistry

Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of mannan oligosaccharides (MOSs), which are commonly used as alternatives to antibiotics, on the growth performance and some blood parameters in broiler chickens. The study included 120 Ross 308 male broiler chicks (1-day-old at the beginning of the study). There were 4 treatment groups, each consisting of 3 replicates. MOSs were added at the level of 0.05%, 0.10%, and 0.15% to the starter and finisher diets. The experiment lasted 42 days. Body weight gain (BWG), feed intake (FI), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were not significantly different (P > 0.05) between MOS treatment groups during the experimental period (0-6 weeks). Serum triglyceride level was not influenced by dietary treatment (P > 0.05). However, the addition of MOSs significantly decreased AST (the highest level, P < 0.05) and ALT (all levels, P < 0.01) activity in the blood. Mean total cholesterol was significantly lower in the 0.05% MOS-fed group (P < 0.05) when compared to the remaining MOS treatment groups.