| Abstrakt: |
Simple Summary: Ganoderma lucidum fungi are a rich source of several secondary metabolites, such as triterpenes, saponins, steroids, alkaloids, ganadic acid, and β-glucans. Although some Asian countries recommend their use in humans, little information existson alternatives to antibiotic growth promoters (AGP) in animals. Thus, this study aimed to demonstrate that G. lucidum powder (GLP) could positively respond to body weight gain, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio in broilers up to 32 days old. Moreover, GLP supplementation modulates intestinal microbiology by increasing the abundance of lactic acid bacteria without changing the concentrations of immunoglobulins; however, the AGP group had a decreased serum concentration of IgM. The higher level of GLP supplementation seemed to improve tibial mineralization; however, a broader mineral profile needs further investigation. These findings will contribute to the use of new natural products rich in beneficial chemical compounds as an alternative to AGPs in broiler production. A total of 640 one-day-old Cobb 500 MV × Cobb 500 FF mixed broilers were randomly assigned to one of four experimental treatments with four replicates per treatment and 40 birds per replicate for 32 days. The treatments consisted of a basal diet (control group), basal diet + 0.02% zinc bacitracin (AGP group), basal diet + 0.2% G. lucidum powder (GLP; 0.2% GLP group), and basal diet + 0.3% GLP (0.3% GLP group). The results showed that dietary 0.2% GLP supplementation increased body weight compared to the control and 0.3% GLP groups, and decreased feed conversion ratio (FCR) compared to the control group, during 19–32 days (p < 0.05). The feed intake was lower (p < 0.05) in both dietary GLP supplementation groups and the AGP group during 1–8 and 1–32 days compared to the control group. Additionally, the FCR was lower in the dietary GLP supplementation group (0.2%) and the AGP group (p < 0.05) compared to the control group. Moreover, the caeca of broiler chickens in the AGP and 0.2% GLP groups had a higher abundance of lactic acid bacteria (LAB). Supplementation of feed additives (AGP and GLP) increased the relative weight of the thymus, with no effect on the bursa of Fabricius and spleen. However, AGP supplementation decreased the serum IgM concentration, while supplementing a higher dose of GLP (0.3%) increased the ash content in the tibia. The findings indicate that 0.2% GLP is the recommended supplementation dose as a natural growth promoter to replace AGP in apparently normal chickens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
