The Effect of Multi‐Strain Probiotics, Zinc and Copper on the Performance of Broiler Chickens Challenged With Clostridium perfringens

ABSTRACT Background Clostridium perfringens infection is a major cause of necrotic enteritis in broiler chickens, leading to impaired growth performance and intestinal health. Nutritional strategies, such as probiotics and chelated trace minerals, may help mitigate these adverse effects. Objectives This study investigated the effects of multi‐strain probiotics and chelated forms of zinc and copper on the performance, gut health and physiological responses of broiler chickens challenged with C. perfringens. Methods A completely randomized design with six treatments involving 390 male broiler chickens was used. Treatments included (1) control, (2) control + challenge with C. perfringens, (3) challenge + selected probiotic strains, (4) challenge + chelated zinc, (5) challenge + chelated copper and (6) challenge + a combination of probiotics, zinc and copper. Growth performance, carcass characteristics, gut histomorphology, ileal pH, microbial populations, blood biochemical parameters and volatile fatty acids (VFAs) were evaluated. Results C. perfringens infection significantly (p