The effect of a balanced mixture of medium chain fatty acids on zootechnical performances in broilers

The objective of the current studies was to determine the effect on zootechnical performances of Aromabiotic Poultry, a carefully balanced mixture of MCFA in broilers. Trial A was designed as a complete block design with male Ross 308 broilers. The control diet (A1) was wheat/corn/soy based while the experiemental diet was obtained by adding a decreasing dosage of Aromabiotic Poultry (1.7 – 1.25 – 0.8 g/kg) in the starter, grower and finisher phase. Both daily growth and feed conversion were improved (the latter not significantly). Because of a bad start of the birds in the control group, the trial was repeated. In trial B a constant dosage of 0.8 and 1.2 g/kg, respectively were applied in two experimental treatments. Average daily gain and feed conversion were significantly improved with the best results using the lower dosage (ADG: 64.9 vs 62.6 g/d; WAFCR: 1.53 vs 1.58). Breast meat yield was only improved using the higher dosage (23.1 vs 22.6 %). In conclusion, Aromabiotic Poultry proved to be a valuable functional feed ingredient to sustain the rising production potential of broilers.