Good growth, low mortality and a good feed conversion rate are important for well-performing broilers. For a good health and efficient growth, well-developed and properly functioning intestine and microbiota are essential. To achieve this, Kanters developed Intesti-Flora, a liquid dietary feed based on copper chelates, organic acids and betaine. Intesti-Flora is used during the first 2 weeks after hatching to achieve optimal gut function during broiler start-up. To support chicken health also over the long term, we developed Nutriforte Vivace. This is a liquid feed supplement with organic acids vitamins, minerals and amino acids for stimulating the natural immune system and keeping your animals healthy. We conducted a field trial to see how the combination of these supplements affected growth, mortality and feed conversion.
Trial design
We conducted this trial on a broiler farm in the Netherlands, where water quality was already optimized. Broilers from four houses were used during this trial. Houses 1 and 4 were the control group. House 2 received Intesti-Flora for fourteen days after arrival on the farm. House 3 received Intesti-Flora and Nutriforte Vivace.
For measuring growth, 3 times 10 chicks per house were weighed weekly. In addition, measurements of mortality, feed intake and water intake were taken daily. Data was collected over three rounds.
Results
| Parameter | Control | Intesti-Flora | Intesti-Flora + Nutriforte Vivace |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feed conversion | 1.64 | 1.77 | 1.44 |
| Growth (g per chick) | 2764.6 | 2755.0 | 2751.0 |
| Total feed intake (g per chick) | 4590.6 | 4867.0 | 3955.7 |
| Total water intake (ml per chick) | 7617.2 | 8068.5 | 7694.0 |
| Total mortality (%) | 4.89 | 5.64 | 4.77 |
| Mortality first 14 days (%) | 2.71 | 2.80 | 2.24 |
As is visible in the table above, Nutriforte Vivace combined with Intesti-Flora showed clear benefits in terms of feed conversion and early mortality. The chicks receiving the combination of supplements showed more efficient feed utilisation, contributing to better economic results.
Want to know wether Intesti-Flora, Nutriforte Vivace or another drinking water supplement can help improve your poultry business?
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