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The Effects of a Natural Antibiotic Alternative and a Natural Growth Promoter Feed Additive on Broiler Performance and Carcass Quality¹

N. P. Buchanan^*, J. M. Hott^*, S. E. Cutlip^*, A. L. Rack^*, A. Asamer and J. S. Moritz^*,2

^* Division of Animal and Nutritional Sciences, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506; and Delacon Biotechnik, Steyregg, Austria

Correspondence: ² Corresponding author: Joe.Moritz{at}mail.wvu.edu

The use of subtherapeutic levels of antibiotics in poultry feed improves performance and morbidity in broiler chickens. However, consumer pressure related to the potential development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria has resulted in the development of nonantibiotic feed additives that may also improve broiler performance. Essential oils, organic acids, and phytogenic compounds enhance production of gastric secretions, stimulate blood circulation, and reduce levels of pathogenic bacteria. The objective of the current study was to assess the use of Biostrong 505+ and Biostrong 510 as natural growth promoters in broiler chickens. Assessment was based on the performance and carcass quality of broilers fed either a maximum-yield or a least-cost commercial broiler diet. The maximum-yield diet improved broiler performance and carcass quality. Biostrong 505+ can be used to improve feed conversion and breast yield when incorporated into diets devoid of antibiotics. This improvement in feed conversion and breast yield was accentuated when Biostrong 505+ was used in conjunction with a maximum-yield diet. Biostrong 510 improved feed conversion when used in poultry diets containing antibiotics.

Key Words: broiler production • phytogenic feed additive • antibiotic alternative

¹ The use of the trade names Biostrong 505+ and Biostrong 510 in this publication does not imply endorsement of the products mentioned or criticism of similar products not mentioned.