Abstract:
Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the growth performance, some haematological and serum immunological and biochemical parameters of laying hens supplemented with whey (LW) and ACIDAL®ML mixed in drinking water. Materials and Methods: Seven hundred and fifty Isa Brown hens’ chicks were randomly assigned to five treatments and five replicates of 150 birds each. The birds were reared for 36 weeks. The treatments were administered in the drinking water at dosages: 250 mL L–1 of LW (Lacto 25) and 500 mL L–1 of LW (Lacto 50) and 1 mL L–1 of ACIDAL®ML (Aci). A positive control group (T+) was treated with 500 mg L–1 of Tétracolivit (antibiotic). The negative control group (T-) was offered drinking water only. During experimental period, feed intake, body weight, average daily gain, feed conversion ratio and mortality were recorded. At weeks 12, 24 and 36, blood samples were collected from 10 birds of each treatment group for determination of total proteins, albumin, triglycerides, cholesterol, immunoglobulin (IgA and IgG) concentration and haematological parameters. Results: Supplementation of ACIDAL®ML and LW decreased feed intake and mortality leading to increased body weight gains and improved feed conversion ratio (FCR). Administration of LW and ACIDAL®ML increased red blood cells, haemoglobin, haematocrit, serum albumin and IgA values but decreased white blood cells (WBC), lymphocyte and serum IgG. Conclusion: LW and ACIDAL®ML supplementation in hens’ drinking water, improved growth performance and reduced mortality. Furthermore, LW and ACIDAL®ML improved hen’s immune status by decreasing serum IgG, WBC and lymphocytes while increasing serum IgA and albumin content.