Endogenous biosurfactant supplementation and its effects on growth performance, immunity, and carcass traits in finishing Cobb 500 commercial broiler chickens.

Antimicrobial drug resistance from improper use of antibiotics in broiler chicken production is a growing hazard for humans worldwide. A feasibility study was conducted to evaluate growth, immunity and carcass traits of commercial broiler chickens fed water-distributed biosurfactants, from gastrointestinal tract derived Escherichia coli related microbe, as regular feed additives. Ninety-nine Cobb500 broiler chickens, housed in a curtained open-sided pen utilizing a deep litter system, were randomly allocated to three dietary treatments (biosurfactant based, negative -no drug added and positive control -with antibiotic drug plus NCD vaccination done), replicated thrice (11 broiler chickens per replicate). Diets were formulated from roasted soybeans and maize using trial-and-error iteration software developed by Mpofu I.D.T. The WBC differential leukocyte count was determined on 45% of the broiler chickens from each replicate using flow cytometry. To determine immune response, C-reactive protein levels and globulin concentrations (g/L) were measured using an agglutination test with Fortress Diagnostics C-reactive protein. Drip and cooking water loss were assessed as meat quality indicators. Genstat 18th edition software was used for analysis of variance of weight gain and immunity, with Fischer's LSD used to separate the means at 95% significance level. Biosurfactant supplemented feed increased body weight but had no significant effect (p > 0.05) on FCE. White blood cell counts varied significantly (p < 0.001) between treatment groups, with low levels in the biosurfactant supplemented group. The biosurfactant-supplemented group had higher moisture loss on cooking than other treatments. Endogenous biosurfactants improve the immunological properties of the Cobb 500 broiler chickens during their finishing phase. Due to biosurfactants' antibiotic properties, endogenous biosurfactants sanitise the broiler chicken's gastrointestinal tract providing protection against infections.