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Efficiency of Weizmannia Faecalis in Improving Broiler Performance and Gut Health in Challenged Birds

Year: 2026

Type: conference-paper

Abstract: The objective of the present study was to evaluate the probiotic impact of Weizmannia faecalis (formerly Bacillus coagulans) DSM 32016 on the performance parameters and intestinal health of broiler chickens reared under high stocking density and mild heat stress conditions. The trial involved 320 day-old ROSS broiler chicks, randomly assigned to two experimental groups (8 pens per group). The control group received a standard commercial diet while the experimental group was supplemented with W. faecalis. At 42 days of age, 24 birds from each group were slaughtered for carcass composition analysis and evaluation of the weight of individual cuts. Probiotic supplementation significantly increased final body weight and improved feed conversion ratio, resulting in a significant increase in drumstick weight and breast meat yield, while the average feeding cost per kg broiler decreased by 5%. Collectively, the probiotic diet supplementation enhanced growth performance, alleviating the adverse effects of high stocking density and thermal stress.

Source: International Conference of the Hellenic Association of Agricultural Economists

DOI: 10.3390/proceedings2026134041

Authors: George Symeon, Ilias Giannenas, Panagiotis Sakkas, Ioanna Stylianaki, Despoina Karatosidi, Lydia Zeibich, Alexandra Schlagheck, Dimitris Koutsianos, Dimitrios Verros, Nikolaos Lykos, Marina Gaitanidou, Vasileios Dotas

Institutions: Dimitra, Hellenic Agricultural Organization - DIMITRA, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki

Language: English

Topic: Animal Nutrition and Physiology

Subfield: Animal Science and Zoology

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDGs: Zero hunger, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

OpenAlex ID: W7123357093

FWCI:

Cites: 21

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Related to: 10