ISSN: 0973-7510
E-ISSN: 2581-690X
This experiment investigates the effects of different levels of L-carnitine and additional lysine-methionine levels on the intestinal microflora of Ross 308 male broilers. Experiment was based on 3×3 completely randomized factorial design. Different levels of L-carnitine including; 0 (mg/kg), 75 (mg/kg) and 150 (mg/kg) and additional lysine-methionine levels were selected from the recommended NRC levels including 0%, 15% and 30%. One bird from each replicate was selected and slaughtered at the age of 42 days; furthermore, cecum was separated and measured to determine the microbial flora. The results showed the levels of L-carnitine caused a significant difference upon the total population of aerobic bacteria, producing lactic acid bacteria, Escherichia coli and lactobacilli (p<0.05). There was no significant difference in the parameters at all levels. Moreover, additional methionine-lysine levels caused a significant difference in total population of aerobic bacteria and coliforms (p<0.05). Finally, the interaction of L-carnitine and lysine-methionine in intestinal microflora caused a significant difference in total population of aerobic bacteria, producing lactic acid bacteria, Escherichia coli, and lactobacillus. There was no significant difference in the parameters at all levels.
L-carnitine, Lysine-methionine, Broiler chickens, Intestinal microflora
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