Effects of supplementing graded levels of methenamine in drinking water on growth performance, gut microbiota, organs histology and haemato-biochemical profile of broiler chickens

Abstract

The residual effects of antibiotics in meat products can induce resistance to pathogens that may lead to health problems to the consumers. In this regard, much attention has been paid towards growth activators order than antibiotics in livestock breeding. This study was designed to evaluate the effects of graded levels of methenamine in drinking water on growth performances of broiler chickens. A total of 72 three-weeks old sexed broiler chicks were assigned to six experimental treatments in a completely randomized design. Methenamine was incorporated at 0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2 g per liter of water and compared to an antibiotic medicated diet as positive control and to a ration without any supplement as negative control. Feed intake significantly (p<0.05) increased in birds fed on methenamine compared to the positive control diet, while live body weight and weight gain of broiler fed 1.5 g and 2 g methenamine/L were significantly (p<0.05) higher compared to the negative control diet. Feed conversion ratio significantly (p<0.05) decreased with 2 g methenamine/l compared to the negative control diet. Inclusion of 1 to 2 g methenamine/L significantly (p<0.05) increased coliform counts compared to the positive control diet, while salmonella count significantly (p<0.05) decreased with 1 and 1.5 g methenamine/L. The serum content in ASAT, ALAT, Urea, total cholesterol and HDL- cholesterol were significantly (p<0.05) affected irrespective of the inclusion level of methenamine compared to the negative control diet. RBC, Hgb, MCH and PLT respectively increased significantly (p<0.05) with 1.5 g and 2 g methenamine /L while MCV, MCHC and PCV decreased (p<0.05) irrespective of the level of incorporation of methenamine in drinking water compared to the negative control treatment. In conclusion methenamine can be incorporated up to 2 g/L of drinking water to improve growth without any adverse effects on haemato-biochemical profile and organs histology of broilers chickens.