Abstract
In this study, we investigated the response of broiler chickens to dietary whey protein concentrate (WPC) as a prebiotic supplement (0, 0.15, 0.20, and 0.25%) on performance, carcass criteria, blood metabolites, oxidative status of meat and liver, and meat quality traits. A total of 200, one-wk-old, unsexed chicks were randomly allotted to 4 treatment groups in a completely randomized design experiment. Results revealed that supplementing broiler diets with WPC did not affect live body weight and body weight gain values in comparison with control during the overall period (1–6 wk of age). A reduction in daily feed intake was observed in WPC-treated groups compared to that in the control. However, improvements (P < 0.05) in the feed conversion ratio in all WPC groups were recorded compared to that in the control, throughout the experimental period. The WPC group had the best values of dressing and breast percentages. A gradual reduction in serum creatinine, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and malondialdehyde as well as increasing levels of the antioxidative enzymes glutathione peroxidase, glutathione-S-transferase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase were recorded with increasing WPC levels. Dietary WPC supplementation improved (P < 0.05) most of the meat quality traits. Thus, WPC supplementation can enhance broiler performance and meat quality without biohazards. In addition, WPC has several health benefits, which may reflect positively on human health as consumers of broiler meat.