Effect of a symbiotic microbial complex (SMC) on productivity, early viability and bloodparameters in broiler chicken under stress rearing conditions
Keywords:
Animal performance; Bacillus; homeostasis; non-nutritive additive; metabolic resilience; serum biochemistryAbstract
Objectives: This study evaluated the effects of a novel Symbiotic Microbial Complex (SMC) as a non-nutritive additive on the productive performance, hematological parameters, and serum biochemistry of broiler chickens reared under environmental stress. Materials and Methods: A total of 264 one-day-old Ross broiler chickens were assigned to two treatments: A Control and an SMC treatment (10% dietary inclusion), with three replicates of 44 birds each, for 42 days. Diets were isoproteic and isoenergetic for the Pre-starter (1–10 days), Starter (11–22 days), and Finisher (23–42 days) phases. Environmental parameters (averaging 29.6°C) and water quality (Nitrates) were monitored. Weekly evaluations of production variables, hematology, and serum biochemistry were performed. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Chi-square tests. Results: Inclusion of SMC significantly reduced cumulative mortality in the Pre-starter (20.45% Control vs. 3.03% SMC) and Starter phases (6.06% Control vs. 0.00% SMC) (p < 0.05). While no significant differences were observed in body weight or feed conversion ratio, the SMC treatment exhibited greater physiological stability. Liver enzyme activity (ALT/AST) was lower in SMC birds during metabolic peaks, and lipid profiles remained within normal physiological ranges despite environmental challenges. Conclusions: The SMC acted as a potent bioprotector, significantly enhancing early viability and maintaining systemic homeostasis. Its protective effect buffered the physiological toll of environmental heat and suboptimal water quality. However, its growth-promoting potential may be optimized under controlled environmental settings where metabolic energy is not prioritized for survival and homeostatic maintenance.
J. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 13(1): 170-180, March 2026
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Copyright (c) 2026 Lorena Del Carmen Vivas Ríos, Neyo De La Cruz Pérez Guedez, Marlon Francisco Brazon Lunar, Moraiza Josefina Casado Chacín, Anthony Deison Mendoza Sandoval, David Santiago Coll, Hennet José Faria Villarreal, Danilo Jesús Zavala López, Alberto José Quintero
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