The effects of fermented olive leaf and fermentation liquid on performance, cecum microflora, carcass characteristics and meat quality in broiler chickens

The present study was conducted to determine the effects of olive leaves and wastewater fermented with ram rumen liquid on growth performance, cecum microflora, carcass yield, and meat quality parameters of broilers. For this purpose, olive leaf samples of Gemlik cultivar were collected in September. Basic nutrient analyzes of the collected leaves before and after fermentation and pH values of fermented wastewater were determined. After fermentation, crude protein and cellulose content of olive leaf increased, while crude oil and ash contents decreased. The pH value of the fermented wastewater varied. The study was carried out in four groups, with five replications and seven chicks in each replication, using a total of 140 animals. Chicks, basal diet without olive leaf and wastewater (KON), unfermented olive leaf (ZY, 7.5 g/kg feed), fermented olive leaf (FZY, 7.5 g/kg feed), and fermented olive leaf wastewater (S- FZY, 7.5 ml/kg feed), were fed for 42 days. At the end of the study, there was no statistical difference between the groups on live weight, weight gain, and feed intake parameters (P>0.05). The feed conversion ratio was affected using S-FZY (P<0.05). There was no statistical difference in the number of Lactobacillus spp. and Escherichia coli in the caecum (P>0.05). The highest value in Clostridium perfringens was determined in the group using FZY, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). The number of Staphylococcus aureus was the lowest in the ZY group, and the difference between them and the FZY group was statistically significant (P<0.05). The highest carcass weight was determined in the control group. No difference was detected in terms of meat quality color values. As a result, it is possible to say that using fermented olive leaves and wastewater does not negatively affect broilers.