Effect of a Feed Additive based on Papaveracea Roots and Nanoclays on Broiler Performance

Due to the resistance that various pathogens have developed to the unplanned use of antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) and the risk to consumers health that this implies, AGPs could be replaced by natural products such as plants, essential oils or extracts. The current study was aimed to investigate the effects of a feed additive based on papaveraceae roots and nanoclays (Sangromix 10x®) on broiler performance. One hundred and twenty Cobb broilers one d old, were randomly assigned to a diet without additive or with additive at 20 g/t during 49 d. Broilers had free access to concentrate and fresh water and were weighed daily. Feed intake and body weight was measured daily and where used to estimate average daily gain and feed conversion ratio. Broilers that received Sangromix 10x®, had higher final body weight, total gain, average daily gain and better feed conversion value as compared with broilers with no additive. The additive did not affect feed intake. The inclusion of Sangromix 10x® increased final body weight and improved feed conversion value and it can be concluded that is an efficient alternative for broiler production. Nevertheless, further research is required to determine their effect on meat and carcass quality, internal organs and blood biochemistry.