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Published on: June 18, 2020
Growth performance, antioxidant capacity, and microbial modulation in broilers supplemented with Arabic gum under a
Saif Ali Mahmoud Alkassar1, Ali Mahmood Amer Alkassar2, Ahmed Khalid Ahmed3
1Animal Production Department, College of Agriculture, Kufa University, Najaf, Iraq.
Open Veterinary Journal
|June 30, 2026
Summary
Arabic gum (AG) supplementation significantly enhanced broiler performance, carcass yield, and health indicators. The 1.0% AG level notably boosted growth, immunity, and gut health in broilers.
Area of Science:
- Poultry Science
- Animal Nutrition
- Microbiology
Background:
- Arabic gum (AG) is a soluble fiber with prebiotic properties, fermented by gut bacteria.
- This fermentation can positively influence broiler growth, blood markers, and carcass quality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the impact of varying AG levels on Ross 308 broiler growth, carcass traits, blood biochemistry, and gut microbiota.
- To evaluate the economic efficiency of AG supplementation in small-scale broiler production.
Main Methods:
- 450 Ross 308 broiler chicks were divided into five groups (control and 0.25%, 0.50%, 0.75%, 1.0% AG supplementation).
- The experiment lasted for 42 days, with detailed monitoring of performance, carcass, blood, and microbial parameters.
Main Results:
- AG supplementation, particularly at 1.0%, significantly improved live body weight, weight gain, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio.
- Carcass yields (carcass, breast, thigh) increased significantly, while bursa percentage decreased. Blood parameters showed improved protein, albumin, globulin, immunoglobulin, and antioxidant enzyme levels, with reduced urea and creatinine.
- AG altered cecal microbiota, increasing total bacterial counts and Lactobacillus populations, especially at the 1.0% level.
Conclusions:
- Arabic gum supplementation enhances broiler intestinal flora, immunity, and antioxidant status.
- AG improves overall broiler productivity and health, making it a beneficial feed additive.
