The effects of saccharomyces cerevisiae and phytase on morphological and biomechanical characteristics of tibiotarsus in broiler chick

The aim of this study is to examine the effects of different levels of feed supplements, Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast metabolite and phytase, on broiler growth and tibiotarsus traits and to reduce the leg problems by identifying the anatomo-pathological changes in leg skeletal system. Thus, reducing of leg disorders due to the skeletal system which causes significant economic losses in our country was investigated by supplementation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and phytase in broiler feed.In the study, 600 male day-old broiler chicks were used. Experiment groups were designed as: Control; Phytase (200 mg/kg); 0,1% Saccharomyces cerevisiae; 0,1% Saccharomyces cerevisiae+phytase (200 mg/kg); 0,2% Saccharomyces cerevisiae; 0,2% Saccharomyces cerevisiae+ phytase (200 mg/kg); 0,4% Saccharomyces cerevisiae; 0,4% Saccharomyces cerevisiae+phytase (200 mg/kg). 24 groups was obtained including 3 replicates for each experimental group. Each replicated group was comprised of 25 chicks and thus 75 chicks were placed in each experimental group. Live weight, feed intake and feed conversion ratio of broilers were recorded weekly. After 42 days, broiler chickens were slaughtered. Then, carcass weight, blood parameters, biomechanical traits of tibiotarsus, bone ash, calcium and phosphorus levels, tibial dyschondroplasia lesions and changes in epiphyseal growth plates were evaluated.It was observed that the use of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and/or phytase and their combinations as feed supplements led to increase the performance characteristics of broiler chickens. Optimum results on bone mineral content, biomechanical traits and strength were provided by addition of Phytase, 0,1% Saccharomyces cerevisiae+phytase and 0,2% Saccharomyces cerevisiae in broiler feed. Additionally, yeast and phytase led decreasing effects on blood cholesterol, glucose, LDL-cholesterol and triglyceride levels of broiler chickens. As a result, use of yeast, phytase and their combinations as feed supplements in broilers are considered to be an economic and convenient way to provide animal welfare and to prevent commercial losses due to leg problems.