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Compound Probiotics Enhance Performance, Antioxidant Status, and Cecal SCFAs in Post-Molting Broiler Breeders
Bowen Yang1, Yuhan Wei1, Yuqing Yang2,3
1College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding 071000, China.
Animals : an Open Access Journal From MDPI
|January 10, 2026
Summary
Compound probiotics in drinking water improved broiler breeder performance and antioxidant status post-molting. This dietary supplement enhanced egg production, fertilization, and hatchability, while boosting gut health and immunity in aging birds.
Area of Science:
- Animal Science
- Poultry Nutrition
- Veterinary Medicine
Background:
- Aging broiler breeders experience declines in production and antioxidant capacity.
- Molting is a natural process that impacts breeder performance.
- Maintaining breeder health is crucial for genetic resource preservation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of a compound probiotic in improving production performance.
- To assess the impact of the probiotic on antioxidant status in post-molting broiler breeders.
- To investigate the effects on immune and gut health parameters.
Main Methods:
- 6800 Arbor Acres breeders were divided into control and probiotic groups.
- Probiotic was administered via drinking water (75 g/t) for 49 days post-molting.
- Production parameters, serum biochemistry, antioxidant markers, and gut metabolites were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Probiotic supplementation significantly improved laying rate, fertilization, and hatchability (p < 0.05).
- Enhanced serum total antioxidant capacity and reproductive tissue antioxidant profiles were observed.
- Increased serum immunoglobulin M and cecal short-chain fatty acids (butyric and isobutyric acid) were noted.
Conclusions:
- Compound probiotics effectively enhance production performance in post-molting broiler breeders.
- Probiotic supplementation improves antioxidant status, immune function, and gut health in aging breeders.
- This strategy supports the health and productivity of valuable poultry genetic resources.
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