Impact of Chicory Root Prebiotic and Avian Lactobacillus Probiotic on Performance, Blood Profile, and Caecal Microflora of Broiler Chickens

Abstract

Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of chicory root powder (CRP), Lactobacillus acidophilus (LB), and their combination (CRP+LB) on growth performance, nutrient utilisation, health status, antioxidant profile, and caecal microflora of broiler chickens, to assess their potential as natural alternatives to antibiotic growth promoters. Study Design:  A Completely Randomised Design (CRD) was applied with five dietary treatment groups. Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was conducted using 250-day-old Ven Cobb broiler chicks at the Livestock Farm Complex, College of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, Selesih, Aizawl, Mizoram. Methodology: A total of 250 chicks were randomly allocated to five dietary treatments: a basal control diet, an antibiotic-supplemented diet, CRP, LB, and CRP+LB. Growth performance parameters (body weight, feed intake, feed conversion ratio), nutrient digestibility, haematological and biochemical indices, antioxidant enzyme activities, and caecal microbial counts were measured. Results: CRP supplementation significantly increased final body weight (1,903 g vs. 1,675 g in control) and improved FCR (1.68 vs. 1.71). CRP also showed the highest crude protein digestibility (81.39% vs. 77.61%), though overall treatment differences were not significant (p>0.05). Mortality was lowest in the CRP group (2%). Haemoglobin and packed cell volume values increased in CRP and CRP+LB groups. Serum biochemistry showed lower hepatic enzymes and triglycerides and higher HDL levels in supplemented groups. Antioxidant activity improved markedly in the CRP+LB group, which had reduced malondialdehyde levels. Caecal microflora showed increased Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium counts across all supplemented groups. Conclusion: Chicory root powder and Lactobacillus acidophilus, either singly or in combination, improved growth performance, nutrient utilisation, antioxidant status, and gut microbial balance in broilers. These findings support their potential as natural and effective alternatives to conventional antibiotic growth promoters in poultry production.