The effects of <i>Saccharomyces cerevisiae</i> on the morphological and biomechanical characteristics of the tibiotarsus in broiler chickens

The aim of this study is to examine the effects of different levels of the feed supplement <i>Saccharomyces cerevisiae</i>, a yeast metabolite, on broiler tibiotarsus traits and to reduce leg problems by identifying the pathological changes in leg skeletal system. Thus, reducing leg disorders due to the skeletal system, the cause of significant economic losses in our country (Turkey), was investigated by the supplementation of <i>Saccharomyces cerevisiae</i> in broiler feed. <br><br> In the study, 300 male day-old, Ross 308 broiler chicks were used. Experiment groups were designed as follows: control; 0.1 % <i>Saccharomyces cerevisiae</i>; 0.2 % <i>Saccharomyces cerevisiae</i>; 0.4 % <i>Saccharomyces cerevisiae</i>. The experimental diets were chemically analyzed according to the methods of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists. Twelve groups were obtained, including three replicates for each experimental group. Each replicated group was comprised of 25 chicks, and thus 75 chicks were placed in each experimental group. After 42 days, broiler chickens were slaughtered. Tibiotarsi were weighed with a digital scale, and the lengths were measured with a digital caliper after the drying process. Cortical areas were measured with the ImageJ Image Processing and Analysis Program. A UTEST Model-7014 tension and compression machine and a Maxtest software were used to determine the bone strength of the tibiotarsus. The severity of the tibial dyschondroplasia lesion was evaluated as 0, +1, +2 and +3. Crude ash, calcium and phosphorus analyses were performed to determine the inorganic matter of tibiotarsi. For radiographic evaluations of epiphyseal growth plates, tibiotarsi from the right legs were photographed in lateral and craniocaudal positions and examined. Statistical analyses were performed with the SPSS statistics program. <br><br> It was observed that the use of <i>Saccharomyces cerevisiae</i> as a feed supplement led to an increase in the bone traits of broiler chickens. Optimum results for bone mineral content, biomechanical traits and strength were provided by the addition of 0.2 % <i>Saccharomyces cerevisiae</i> in broiler feed. <br><br> As a result, the use of yeast as feed supplements in broilers is considered to be an economic and convenient way of providing animal welfare and preventing commercial losses due to leg problems.