Fermented wheat germ extract (FWGE) is a multisubstance composition contains 2-methoxy benzoquinone and 2, 6-dimethoxy benzoquinone which are likely to exert some of its biological effects as well as it is a concentrated source of vitamins, minerals, and protein. An experimental trial of FWGE supplementation to broiler feed from one day old with a rate of 0.5, 1.5 and 3 g/kg feed was tried. Results revealed that all doses of FWGE increased body weight significantly (p≤0.05), especially with the dose of 3 g/kg feed. Also, FCR values decreased significantly (p≤0.05) in the FWGE treated groups. Regarding biochemical analysis at 35 days old, the most significant results obtained with the doses of 1.5 and 3 g FWGE/kg feed especially in SGOT, SGPT, creatinine, uric acid, total protein, glucose, and triglycerides levels. Physiologically, FWGE only increased hemoglobin concentration significantly (p≤0.05) without alteration of red blood and white blood cells counts. There was also a significant increase (p≤0.05) in the intestinal weight in relation to carcass weight% and a significant decrease (p≤0.05) in the liver and total body fat weights in relation to carcass weight%. At 45 days (10 days after vNDV challenge), the mortality rates were 60% in the non-treated non-vaccinated challenged chicken group 5 and 4% in the non-treated vaccinated challenged chicken group 4 without appearance of any mortality in the 3 FWGE treated groups. Also, addition of FWGE had a positive effect on HI titers for NDV in the collected serum samples at 45 days old.
Key words: Fermented Wheat Germ Extract, broiler, challenge
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