On d 6, a total of 160 chicks were randomly selected
by similar BW and divided into 8 treatments (T1 to
T8) with 4 replicate groups per treatment and 5 chicks
per replicate group distributed in 32 pens measuring
90 cm × 100 cm × 39 cm (length × width × height).
All pens had a 1 cm2 wire mesh bottom with a removal
tray placed underneath to allow cleaning. The
pens were also equipped with a feeding trough placed
outside and one water cup placed inside. From d 7 until
d 28, chicks received the corresponding experimental
diets. The different treatments resulted from the
combination of the presence or absence of S. cerevisiae
CECT 1891 in drinking water (5 × 109 cells/L) with
the presence or absence of AFB1 (1.2 mg/kg) and S.
cerevisiae CECT 1891 (1010 cells/kg) supplementation
in feed (Table 2). During the treatments (lasting 3 wk),
birds were monitored daily for signs of morbidity and
mortality and also weighed weekly.