Impact of Functional Feed Additives on Broiler Turkey Growth, Carcass Quality, Immune Response, and Gut Health

Abstract This study investigated the impact of functional feed additives (dietary supplementation with probiotics (Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bacillus subtilis) and prebiotics (mannose oligosaccharide and inulin)) on the growth performance, carcass characteristics, immune response, gut morphology, and microbiota in broiler turkeys. A total of 135 broiler turkeys were randomly assigned to three groups: a control group (G1) with no supplementation, a probiotic-supplemented group (G2), and a prebiotic-supplemented group (G3). The birds were fed these diets for 70 days Results showed that probiotics significantly improved body weight gain, feed intake, and white blood cell count (p < 0.05), while prebiotics enhanced gut morphology and nutrient absorption. Both treatments resulted in higher villus height and Lactobacillus spp. counts, contributing to improved gut health. No significant differences were observed in feed conversion ratio, carcass yield, or E. coli counts. The findings suggest that dietary supplementation with probiotics and prebiotics positively affects turkey growth performance, immune function, and gut health, with probiotics showing the most pronounced impact on body weight gain and immune response. The inclusion of these functional additives enhances turkey production efficiency without compromising carcass quality. Thus, probiotics and prebiotics supplementation can be a valuable strategy to optimize broiler turkey performance and health.