ABSTRACT

 The experiment was conducted to determine the effect of supplementation of starter broiler diets with probiotics on the performance and feed cost of broilers. There were five experimental diets (Tb T2, T3, T4 and T5). Each treatment replicated three times. There were 30 birds per treatment and 10 birds per replicate. The experimental design was completely randomized design (CRD). Parameters measured were live weight, live weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, protein intake and protein efficiency ratio and feed cost. Results showed that there were no significant (P>0.05) differences in final body weight, daily weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio among the birds fed the various treatment diets. The diet supplemented with probiotics had significant (P<0.05) increase in daily and total feed cost. There were no significant (P>0.05) differences among the diets in cost per kg live weight gain of the starter broilers,. The values were N196.10, ^190.78, N214.55, N236.07 and N247.77 for Tb T2, T3, T4 and T5 respectively. It was concluded that considering the growth and feed intake pattern of the birds, starter broiler diets could be supplemented with probiotics at 0.3% level inclusion.