scholarly journals Specific enrichment of microbes and increased ruminal propionate production: the potential mechanism underlying the high energy efficiency of Holstein heifers fed steam-flaked corn

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hao Ren ◽  
Xiaodong Su ◽  
Hanxun Bai ◽  
Yuntian Yang ◽  
Hongrong Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Relative Abundance ◽  
Starch Content ◽  
Nitrogen Concentration ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Ammonia Nitrogen ◽  
Feedlot Cattle ◽  
Cellulolytic Bacteria ◽  
Feed Conversion ◽  
Host Animal

Abstract Corn grain is high in starch content and is primarily used as an energy source in ruminant diets. Compared with finely ground corn (FGC), steam-flaked corn (SFC) processing could improve the milk yield of lactating dairy cows and the growth performance of feedlot cattle, but the detailed mechanisms underlying this finding are unknown. The rumen microbiome contributes to feed efficiency by breaking down feedstuffs into energy substrates that can subsequently be utilized by the host animal. Therefore, the current study was conducted to investigate the ruminal bacterial community of heifers fed differently processed corn (SFC or FGC) with the same forage-to-concentrate ratio using 16S rRNA sequencing technologies and to uncover the detailed mechanisms underlying the high performance of ruminants fed the SFC diet. The results revealed that different processing methods resulted in changes in rumen characteristics and impacted the composition of the rumen bacterial structure. The SFC diet resulted in an increased average daily gain in heifers, an increased rumen propionate concentration and a decreased ammonia nitrogen concentration. The relative abundance of the phylum Firmicutes tended to increase and the relative abundance of the phylum Proteobacteria significantly increased in the heifers fed SFC diet compared with FGC diet. In addition, the relative abundance of amylolytic bacteria of the genera Succinivibrio , Rosebuia and Blautia ere evaluated, and cellulolytic bacteria (Ruminococcaceae_UCG-014 and Ruminococcaceae_UCG-013 ) decreased by the steam flaking method. Spearman correlation analysis between the relative abundances of the ruminal bacteria and the microbial metabolites showed that the rumen propionate concentration was positively correlated with Succinivibrio and Blautia abundance and negatively correlated with Ruminococcaceae_UCG-014 abundance. Evident patterns of efficient improvement in rumen propionate and changes in rumen microbes to further improve feed conversion were identified. This observation uncovers the potential mechanisms underlying the increased efficiency of the SFC processing method for enhancing ruminant performance.

scholarly journals Specific enrichment of microbes and increased ruminal propionate production: the potential mechanism underlying the high energy efficiency of Holstein heifers fed steam-flaked corn

AMB Express ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hao Ren ◽  
Xiaodong Su ◽  
Hanxun Bai ◽  
Yuntian Yang ◽  
Hongrong Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Relative Abundance ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Starch Content ◽  
Nitrogen Concentration ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Ammonia Nitrogen ◽  
Feedlot Cattle ◽  
Cellulolytic Bacteria ◽  
Feed Conversion

AbstractCorn grain has a high starch content and is used as main energy source in ruminant diets. Compared with finely ground corn (FGC), steam-flaked corn (SFC) could improve the milk yield of lactating dairy cows and the growth performance of feedlot cattle, but the detailed mechanisms underlying those finding are unknown. The rumen microbiome breaks down feedstuffs into energy substrates for the host animals, and contributes to feed efficiency. Therefore, the current study was conducted to investigate the ruminal bacterial community changes of heifers fed differently processed corn (SFC or FGC) using 16S rRNA sequencing technologies, and to uncover the detailed mechanisms underlying the high performance of ruminants fed the SFC diet. The results revealed that different processing methods changed the rumen characteristics and impacted the composition of the rumen bacteria. The SFC diet resulted in an increased average daily gain in heifers, an increased rumen propionate concentration and a decreased rumen ammonia nitrogen concentration. The relative abundance of the phylum Firmicutes and Proteobacteria were tended to increase or significantly increased in the heifers fed SFC diet compared with FGC diet. In addition, the relative abundance of amylolytic bacteria of the genera Succinivibrio, Roseburia and Blautia were elevated, and the cellulolytic bacteria (Ruminococcaceae_UCG-014 and Ruminococcaceae_UCG-013) were decreased by the steam flaking method. Spearman correlation analysis between the ruminal bacteria and the microbial metabolites showed that the rumen propionate concentration was positively correlated with genera Succinivibrio and Blautia abundance, but negatively correlated with genera Ruminococcaceae_UCG-014 abundance. Evident patterns of efficient improvement in rumen propionate and changes in rumen microbes to further improve feed conversion were identified. This observation uncovers the potential mechanisms underlying the increased efficiency of the SFC processing method for enhancing ruminant performance.

Effects of pantothenic acid and folic acid supplementation on total tract digestibility coefficient, ruminal fermentation, microbial enzyme activity, microflora and urinary purine derivatives in dairy bulls

2019 ◽  
Vol 157 (6) ◽  
pp. 555-562
Author(s):  
Z. Z. Wu ◽  
C. Wang ◽  
G. W. Zhang ◽  
Q. Liu ◽  
G. Guo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Enzyme Activity ◽  
Folic Acid ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Pantothenic Acid ◽  
Latin Square ◽  
Ammonia Nitrogen ◽  
Ruminal Fermentation ◽  
Feed Conversion ◽  
Purine Derivative ◽  
Dairy Bulls

AbstractThe effects of pantothenic acid (PA) and folic acid (FA) addition on digestibility coefficient, ruminal fermentation and urinary purine derivative (PD) excretion in dairy bulls were evaluated. Eight rumen-cannulated Holstein dairy bulls were allocated to a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design according to a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement. Diets were supplemented with two levels of FA (0 or 8.0 mg/kg dietary dry matter [DM]) and two of PA (0 or 60 mg/kg DM). The PA × FA interaction was not significant for all variables. Both supplements increased DM intake and average daily gain, but decreased a feed conversion ratio. Digestibility of DM, organic matter, crude protein and neutral detergent fibre increased, but ether extract digestibility was unchanged for both supplements. Digestibility of acid detergent fibre only increased with FA supplementation. For both supplements, ruminal pH and ammonia nitrogen (N) decreased, but total volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentration increased. Acetate proportion only increased with FA supplementation. Propionate proportion decreased for both supplements. Consequently, the acetate to propionate ratio increased. For both supplements, activity of xylanase and pectinase, population of Ruminococcus albus, R. flavefaciens, Fibrobacter succinogenes and Ruminobacter amylophilus and total PD excretion increased. Additionally, activity of carboxymethylcellulase, cellobiase, α-amylase and protease, and population of total bacteria, fungi, protozoa, methanogens, Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens and Prevotella ruminicola increased with FA addition. The results suggested that PA and FA supplementation stimulated ruminal microbial growth and enzyme activity, resulting in an increased digestibility coefficient and ruminal total VFA concentration in dairy bulls.

INFLUENCE OF HIGH-MOISTURE BARLEY ON THE PERFORMANCE AND CARCASS CHARACTERISTICS OF FEEDLOT CATTLE

1988 ◽  
Vol 68 (3) ◽  
pp. 811-820 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. J. KENNELLY ◽  
G. W. MATHISON ◽  
G. de BOER
Keyword(s):  
Dry Matter ◽  
Free Choice ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Carcass Characteristics ◽  
Barley Grain ◽  
Feedlot Cattle ◽  
Feed Conversion ◽  
High Moisture ◽  
Feeding Value ◽  
Daily Gain

Three factorial experiments were conducted to determine the relative feeding value of dry barley (DB) and high-moisture barley (HMB), and to evaluate the influence of method of ensiling (Pit vs. Harvestore® (HAV) silo), source of roughage (hay vs. silage), and level of concentrate (90 vs. 75%) on the performance and carcass characteristics of feedlot cattle. In exp. 1, 252 steers (initial wt 357 kg) were assigned on the basis of weight to six treatments (two pens × 21 animals per pen). A mixed diet consisting of 85.2% barley grain (dry matter (DM) basis) was offered free choice. The barley portion of the ration consisted of either 0, 25, 50, 75 or 100% DB with the balance being HMB from a pit silo. The sixth treatment consisted of feeding 100% HMB for the first 57 d and 100% DB for the remainder of the trial. Overall average daily gain (ADG) for steers fed 100% DB (1.70 kg d−1) was significantly higher than observed for animals fed 100, 75 or 50% HMB (1.46, 1.49 and 1.56 kg d−1, respectively). The kg of feed DM required per kg gain (FC) varied between 5.76 and 7.13 and was not (P > 0.05) influenced by treatment. No differences (P > 0.05) were observed in carcass characteristics. In exp. 2, 360 steers (initial wt 340 kg) were allotted on the basis of weight to six treatments designed to evaluate the effect of source (Pit vs. HAV) and level of HMB, in diets containing 10.2% silage, on animal performance. Overall ADG (1.11 – 1.17 kg d−1), FC (6.66 – 7.01) and carcass characteristics were similar (P > 0.05) for animals fed Pit HMB, HAV HMB and DB. In exp. 3, 264 weanling calves (initial wt 216 kg) were allotted on the basis of weight to six treatments which differed in type of barley (HMB vs. DB), source of roughage (hay vs. silage) and level of concentrate (75 vs. 90%; DM basis). The feeding period was 127 d. Daily gains varied between 0.78 and 0.91 kg d−1 and FC ranged from 6.40 to 7.10 and were not influenced (P > 0.05) by source of barley or source or level of roughage. While animals fed DB had significantly higher ADG than those fed HMB in exp. 1, the overall results from the three experiments indicate that on a DM basis HMB has similar feeding value to DB, and that there is no major difference between Pit and HAV-stored HMB for feedlot cattle. Key words: High moisture, barley, cattle, gain, feed conversion

The effects of zeranol and oestradiol implants on performance and nutrient digestibility of zero-grazed White Fulani cattle

2020 ◽  
Vol 60 (8) ◽  
pp. 1081
Author(s):  
O. T. Soyelu ◽  
A. O. Aderibigbe
Keyword(s):  
Crude Protein ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Feedlot Cattle ◽  
Nutrient Digestibility ◽  
Apparent Digestibility ◽  
Feed Conversion ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
White Fulani

Aim The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of two growth-promoting implants (zeranol and oestradiol-17β) on performance and feed digestibility of finishing White Fulani cattle in the feedlot. This was with a view to determining an alternative means of enhancing cattle performance without grazing the animals. Methods A 60-day feedlot trial was conducted using 27 stocker White Fulani bulls that were allotted randomly to three treatment groups (i.e. non-implanted, oestradiol-implanted and zeranol-implanted) in a completely randomised experimental design. Cattle were offered a compounded feedlot ration consisting of 14% crude protein ad libitum. The bulls were weighed initially and fortnightly thereafter for the duration of the study. Coefficients of dry matter and nutrients digestibility were determined using lignin as an internal marker. Data were analysed using the general linear model procedure of ANOVA and mean values were compared using Fisher’s least significant difference (l.s.d.0.05). Key results The average final liveweight, total weight gain, average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) of implanted feedlot cattle were higher (P < 0.05) than for non-implanted cattle; and higher in oestradiol-implanted cattle compared with zeranol-implanted ones. The ADG was 29.16 and 20.48% higher, and the ADFI was 35.06 and 18.18% higher for oestradiol-implanted and zeranol-implanted feedlot cattle, respectively than for non-implanted cattle. Irrespective of the treatment, feed conversion ratio of experimental bulls remained below the range (4.5–7.5) established for feedlot beef cattle; an indication of better efficiency of feed utilisation by White Fulani cattle. The apparent digestibility of dry matter (59.76–64.31%) of the feedlot ration was in the order: non-implanted = oestradiol-implanted > zeranol-implanted while the apparent digestibility of crude protein (73.91–77.99%) was in the order: non-implanted > oestradiol-implanted = zeranol-implanted. Conclusions and implications The results of this study show that the use of an oestradiol implant in finishing zero-grazed White Fulani cattle was beneficial for improving growth performance. Both implanted and non-implanted cattle showed good coefficients of nutrient digestibility, indicating that the mode of action of the growth implants in enhancing performance characteristics does not depend on indices of digestibility.

scholarly journals Fecal bacterial community of finishing beef steers fed ruminally protected and non-protected active dried yeast

2020 ◽  
Vol 98 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tao Ran ◽  
Peixin Jiao ◽  
Ousama AlZahal ◽  
Xiaolai Xie ◽  
Karen A Beauchemin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bacterial Community ◽  
Relative Abundance ◽  
High Throughput Sequencing ◽  
Starch Content ◽  
Feedlot Cattle ◽  
Fecal Bacteria ◽  
Beef Steers ◽  
Fecal Samples ◽  
Sequencing Platform ◽  
Fecal Bacterial Community

Abstract Our previous study suggested that supplementation of high-grain diets with ruminally protected and non-protected active dried yeast (ADY) may potentially reduce manure pathogen excretion by feedlot cattle. We hypothesized that feeding ruminally protected ADY might change the fecal bacterial community of finishing cattle. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of feeding ruminally protected and non-protected ADY to finishing beef steers on their fecal bacterial community. Fresh fecal samples were collected on day 56 from 50 steers fed one of five treatments: 1) control (no monensin, tylosin, or ADY), 2) antibiotics (ANT, 330 mg monensin + 110 mg tylosin·steer−1d−1), 3) ADY (1.5 g·steer−1d−1), 4) encapsulated ADY (EDY; 3 g·steer−1d−1), and 5) a mixture of ADY and EDY (MDY; 1.5 g ADY + 3 g EDY·steer−1d−1). Bacterial DNA was extracted from fecal samples and sequenced using a MiSeq high-throughput sequencing platform. A total number of 2,128,772 high-quality V4 16S rRNA sequences from 50 fecal samples were analyzed, and 1,424 operational taxonomic units (OTU) were detected based on 97% nucleotide sequence identity among reads, with 769 OTU shared across the five treatments. Alpha diversity indices, including species observed, Chao estimate, abundance-based coverage estimator, Shannon, Simpson, and coverage, did not differ among treatments, and principal coordinate analysis revealed a high similarity among treatments without independent distribution. Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes were dominant phyla in the fecal bacterial community for all treatments, with a tendency (P < 0.10) for greater relative abundance of Bacteroidetes but lesser Firmicutes with ANT, EDY, and MDY compared with control steers. Prevotella was the dominant genus in all treatments and steers supplemented with ANT, EDY, and MDY had greater (P < 0.05) relative abundance of Prevotella than control steers, but lesser (P < 0.03) relative abundance of Oscillospira. No differences between ADY and control were observed for the aforementioned variables. Fecal starch contents were not different among treatments, but the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes, as well as Prevotella at genera level, tended (P < 0.06) to be positively correlated to fecal starch content. We conclude that supplementing ruminally protected or non-protected ADY or ANT had no effect on diversity and richness of fecal bacteria of finishing beef cattle, whereas feeding protected ADY or ANT to finishing beef steers altered the dominant fecal bacteria at phylum and genus levels. Therefore, supplementation of ruminally protected ADY may potentially improve intestinal health by stimulating the relative abundance of Prevotella.

scholarly journals MONENSINA E URÉIA DE LIBERAÇÃO LENTA NO DESEMPENHO DE BOVINOS CONFINADOS

2000 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
L.A.M. GELINSKI ◽  
J.L. ANDRIGUETTO ◽  
P. ROSSI Jr.
Keyword(s):  
Crude Protein ◽  
Slow Release ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Feedlot Cattle ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Feed Conversion ◽  
Feedlot Steers ◽  
Association Group ◽  
True Protein ◽  
Slow Release Urea

O objetivo do presente experimento foi determinar os efeitos do ionóforo monensina (Rumensin ), uma fonte de uréia de liberação lenta (Anipro ) e sua associação em bovinos confinados. Foram utilizados 92 bovinos bloqueados por raça e peso e distribuídos aleatoriamente em quatro grupos: grupo controle (n=23); grupo Rumensin (n=25); grupo Anipro (n=23); e o grupo da associação de ambos (n=22). Os animais receberam dietas totais misturadas a base de silagem de milho, milho moído e caroço de algodão, contendo níveis iguais de energia (70% NDT) e proteína bruta (12%). Os dois grupos que receberam Anipro apresentaram ingestão alimentar significativamente menor do que os grupos controle e Rumensin , o que levou a ganho médio diário, peso final e peso de carcaça significativamente menores, porém sem efeito sobre conversão alimentar ou rendimento de carcaça. Não se observou qualquer efeito de Rumensin , possivelmente devido ao baixo nível de proteína bruta da dieta, ou também ao baixo nível de proteína verdadeira da dieta. Também não houve efeito significativo da interação entre os dois componentes. Monensin and slow-release urea on the performance of feedlot steers Abstract The objective of the present experiment was to determine the effects of the ionophore monensin (Rumensin ), a slow-release source of urea (Anipro ) and their association on feedlot cattle. A total of 92 steers were blocked by breed and weight and were randomly assigned to four groups: Control group (n=23); Rumensin group (n=25); Anipro group (n=23); and the association group (n=22). They received total mixed rations based on corn silage, ground corn and cottonseed, with equal levels of energy (70% TDN) and crude protein (12%). Both groups receiving Anipro showed a significantly lower feed intake, which led to significantly lower average daily gain, slaughter and carcass weight, with no effect on feed conversion and carcass yield. No effect of Rumensin was seen, possibly due to the low crude protein level of the diets, as well as the low level of true protein. There was also no significant effect on the interaction of the two components.

Effects of riboflavin supplementation on performance, nutrient digestion, rumen microbiota composition and activities of Holstein bulls

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-22
Author(s):  
H.M. Wu ◽  
J. Zhang ◽  
C. Wang ◽  
Q. Liu ◽  
G. Guo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Volatile Fatty Acids ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Latin Square ◽  
Linear Increase ◽  
Cellulolytic Bacteria ◽  
Feed Conversion ◽  
Molar Percentage ◽  
Nutrient Digestion ◽  
Holstein Bulls ◽  
Addition Level

Abstract To investigate the influences of dietary riboflavin (RF) addition on nutrient digestion and rumen fermentation, eight rumen cannulated Holstein bulls were randomly allocated into four treatments in a repeated 4 × 4 Latin square design. Daily addition level of RF for each bull in control, low-RF, medium-RF and high-RF was 0, 300, 600 and 900 mg, respectively. Increasing the addition level of RF, dry matter (DM) intake was not affected, average daily gain tended to be increased linearly and feed conversion ratio decreased linearly. Total-tract digestibilities of DM, organic matter, crude protein (CP) and neutral detergent fibre (NDF) increased linearly. Rumen pH decreased quadratically and total volatile fatty acids (VFA) increased quadratically. Acetate molar percentage and acetate to propionate ratio increased linearly, but propionate molar percentage and ammonia-N content decreased linearly. Rumen effective degradability of DM increased linearly, NDF increased quadratically but CP was unaltered. Activity of cellulase and populations of total bacteria, protozoa, fungi, dominant cellulolytic bacteria, Prevotella ruminicola and Ruminobacter amylophilus increased linearly. Linear increase was observed for urinary total purine derivatives excretion. The data suggested that dietary RF addition was essential for rumen microbial growth, and no further increase in performance and rumen total VFA concentration were observed when increasing RF level from 600 to 900 mg/d in dairy bulls.

scholarly journals Impact of Supplementation of Hemp Seeds (Cannavis sativa L.) on In Vitro Gas Fermentation Parameters and Digestibility using Foregut Fluid from Dromdary Camel

2020 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 98-106
Author(s):  
Tahereh Mohammadabadi
Keyword(s):  
Biogas Production ◽  
Rumen Fluid ◽  
Control Diet ◽  
Nitrogen Concentration ◽  
Ammonia Nitrogen ◽  
Gas Production ◽  
Control Treatment ◽  
Cellulolytic Bacteria ◽  
Gas Fermentation

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of hemp seeds on in vitro biogas production, and digestibility of one-humped camel. Two female fistulated dromedary camels (300 kg) were fed with a forage diet (60 wheat straw and 40 alfalfa) for 1 month. Then rumen fluid was supplied from camels prior to the morning meal. Experimental samples were control diet and diet containing 10 % hemp seeds. Glass vials 100 ml containing 30 ml buffered rumen fluid was used. Gas production parameters were measured by exponential models and digestibility of foregut bacteria of camels were determined. The results showed that addition hemp seeds decreased potential of gas production (P<0.05), but gas production rate was not influenced (P>0.05). Actually digested organic matter and microbial biomass of diet containing hemp seeds were more than a control diet (P<0.05).While, hemp seeds supplementation had the greatest digestibility by cellulolytic bacteria of camel, after 24, 48 and 72 h incubation. The results also showed hemp seeds decreased ammonia nitrogen concentration as compared to the control treatment (P<0.05). Therefore, adding hemp seeds in the camel diet caused to reduce gas emission and ammonia nitrogen production in foregut and increased cellulolytic bacteria digestibility; so hemp seeds may be used in camel diets and will influence camel growth performance and decrease gas emissions in the environment.

scholarly journals Beef versus dairy cattle: a comparison of feed conversion, carcass composition, and meat quality

2007 ◽  
Vol 50 (1) ◽  
pp. 59-70 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Pfuhl ◽  
O. Bellmann ◽  
C. Kühn ◽  
F. Teuscher ◽  
K. Ender ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Meat Quality ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Nutrient Utilization ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Carcass Composition ◽  
Carcass Weight ◽  
Feed Conversion ◽  
Water Binding ◽  
High Energy Level ◽  
Holstein Bulls

Abstract. The objective of this study was to investigate the phenotypical differences in feed conversion, carcass composition, and meat quality of two cattle breeds representing either the accretion type (Charolais) or the secretion type (Holstein). Eighteen Charolais bulls and 18 German Holstein bulls were raised and fattened under identical conditions on a high energy level with concentrates and hay. The animals were slaughtered at the age of 18 months. Charolais bulls had a body weight (BW) of 750.6 kg and an average daily gain (ADG) of 1377 g. German Holstein bulls were 84.7 kg lighter with an ADG of 1197 g. The energy expense per kg BW gain was 14% lower in the Charolais bulls compared with German Holstein. Charolais bulls gained more energy in protein than the Holstein bulls and needed less energy per kg protein gain in the hot carcass weight (HCW). The Charolais bulls showed a greater carcass weight and a higher yield grade as well as a greater cross sectional area of the M. longissimus dorsi (LD). Holstein bulls showed a greater marbling score, darker color, and more water binding capacity of the LD. The Holstein bulls gained more subcutaneous, intramuscular, and visceral fat during growth, which reflects the ability of the Holstein as a dairy breed to deposit fat as an energy source for milk production and points out the capability of Charolais for extended protein accretion. The genetic background of the recorded different nutrient utilization and turnover will be investigated in further experiments.

scholarly journals Probiotic supplemented diets improved the performance of broiler chickens during wet season

2020 ◽  
Vol 44 (5) ◽  
pp. 78-81
Author(s):  
W. Buba ◽  
J. O. Ugboga ◽  
A. Yunusa ◽  
B. M. Shehu
Keyword(s):  
Saccharomyces Cerevisiae ◽  
Body Weight ◽  
Feed Intake ◽  
Broiler Chickens ◽  
Body Weight Gain ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Feed Conversion ◽  
Wet Season ◽  
Host Animal ◽  
Final Body Weight

Probiotics, a live microbial feed supplement affects the host animal by improving its intestinal microbial balance. Thus, this study was conducted to determine the effect of probiotic (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) supplemented diets on the performance of broilers chickens during the wet season. Two hundred and fifty five broilers chickens were randomly allotted to five treatments in a complete randomize design (CRD) with three replicate per treatment, each replicate having 17 birds. Saccharomyces cerevisiae was included at 0%, 0.25%, 0.5%, 0.75% and 1% respectively. Feed intake was measured weekly and the birds were weighed once weekly to determine the weight improvement. Data obtained from the study were subjected to analysis of variance. All parameters (final body weight, body weight gain, average daily gain, total feed intake, average feed intake and feed conversion ratio) measured showed significance (P<0.05) differencewhen compared with the birds on control diets. In conclusion, inclusion of baker's yeast in broiler diet improved growth performance of the chickens.

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