The effect of the feed additive Melavit on the development of boiler chickens of the «Ross 308» cross

The effect of a feed additive containing buckwheat melanins and short–chain organic acids on the growth and development dynamics of «Ross 308» broiler chickens has been studied. Three groups of chickens were formed – a control group and two experimental ones. The chickens of the first experimental group received the feed additive at the recommended dose, the chickens of the second experimental group received a four-fold dose (the dose was tested in early experiments). Safety in all groups was 100 %. The live weight of chickens in the experimental groups is higher than in the control group by 5.3 % to 12.5 % with the lowest feed consumption in the second experimental group – 1.54 (in the control group – 1,72). The EPEF value in the second experimental group was 25.65 % higher than in the control group. There is a tendency to increase the average slaughter yield of broiler chickens in the experimental groups compared with the control group. It was shown that the immunoreactivity index (IIR), calculated as the ratio of the sum of eosinophils and lymphocytes to the sum of monocytes in the blood of broilers in the control group is 41.25, and in the groups receiving the feed additive in single and quadruple doses, the same indicator is 79.0 and 81.16, respectively. An increase in the level of resistance of the body of experienced chickens affects the improvement of meat indicators and an increase in the European broiler efficiency index.