Effects of multi-strain (Lactofeed) and mono-strain (Pediguard) probiotics on broiler breeder performance and expression of toll-like receptors (TLR) were evaluated. Three hundred broiler breeder hens (Ross 308) at the age of 51 weeks were randomly allocated into 1 of 5 dietary treatments with 6 replicates in each in a completely randomized design. The dietary treatments included (1) the basal diet (control), (2) control + 0.1 g/kg Lactofeed, (3) control + 0.1 g/kg Pediguard, (4) control + 0.1 g/kg Lactofeed + 0.1 g/kg Pediguard and (5) control + 0.5 g/kg oxytetracycline antibiotic. Compared to the control group, treatments had no effect on hen-day egg production and body weight of broiler breeders (P > .05). The egg yolk cholesterol concentration of broiler breeders fed probiotic-supplemented diet was decreased (P < .05). There were no differences in the immune response to PHA-P injection, serum glutathione peroxidase activity, malondialdehyde and cholesterol concentration and blood haematology of broiler breeder among different dietary treatments (P > .05) while TLR2 and TLR4 mRNA expression up-regulated (P < .05). It can be concluded Lactofeed and Pediguard did not improve broiler breeder performance and T-cell-mediated immune response and are not advisable for breeder nutrition.
