Dietary Lactobacillus acidophilus positively influences growth performance, gut morphology, and gut microbiology in rurally reared chickens

Abstract

In a market undergoing constant evolution, the production of chicken meat that consumers would perceive as “natural” and “animal friendly” is crucial. The use of probiotics in rurally reared chickens could represent a major opportunity to achieve mutual benefit for both the industry and consumers. A total of 264 male Kabir chicks were randomly distributed to one of 2 dietary treatments: the L group received a commercial feed supplemented with 2.0 g/100 kg of Lactobacillus acidophilus D2/CSL, while the C group received the same basal diet without the additive. To assess the effects of probiotic supplementation in the chickens’ diet, productive performance was evaluated at d 21 and 42, whereas microbiological analyses of the intestinal content and intestinal histology and morphometry were performed at the end of the trial (d 42). At d 21 and 42, L birds showed better (P < 0.001) performance in terms of body weight, average daily gain, and feed conversion ratio. Enterococci, staphylococci, and Escherichia coli populations were not influenced by dietary treatment. On the contrary, Lactobacillus population increased (P = 0.032) in the L group. Furthermore, a tendency (P = 0.069) was observed for the coliforms to be influenced by diet, with lower values in the L group in comparison to the C group. Histological techniques revealed that the number of goblet cell containing neutral mucins was lower in the C group. Morphometric evaluations demonstrated that the probiotic supplementation increased the height of the mucosal layer by improving (P = 0.040) villus height, while crypt depth was unaffected. In conclusion, the results obtained in this study demonstrate that it is possible to use Lactobacillus acidophilus D2/CSL (CECT 4529) in rurally reared chicken breeds with positive effects on performance and gut health.

Effects of Lactobacillus acidophilus D2/CSL (CECT 4529) supplementation on healthy cat performance

“…In the present study the authors tested L acidophilus D2/CSL (CECT 4529) as a feed additive in healthy cats. This strain already has good evidence base with regard to its efficacy, especially on broilers and laying hens, showing improvement in gut health and performance 23–25. BW was consistent throughout the study period in both groups of cats, and this is similar to what has been described by Marshall-Jones and coauthors,11 who used L acidophilus DSM13241.…”

Effects of Liquid Probiotics (Lactobacillus sp.) on Microflora Balance, Enzyme Activity, Number and Surface Area of the Intestinal Villi of Broiler

“…The mean values in Table 5 show the lowest intestinal villi surface area was P0, whereas the highest was P3. The increased concentration of probiotics given then the surface area of the intestinal villi is increasing, this result was in accordance with the study [34] Giving of probiotics Lactobacillus sp. in broiler feed might increase the height of intestinal villi thus increasing the absorption of intestinal nutrients [35].…”

Effects of in ovo Inoculation of Multi-Strain Lactobacilli on Cytokine Gene Expression and Antibody-Mediated Immune Responses in Chickens

“…Different studies have reported the beneficial effects of probiotic bacteria on broiler growth performance, gut microbiota composition and immune system development (12)(13)(14)(15). Among these probiotics, Lactobacillus bacteria have received considerable attention because of their immunomodulatory activities and intestinal health benefits (16)(17)(18). Lactobacilli are considered autochthonous residents in the chicken gastrointestinal tract and may contribute to the host gut health and immune system function through different mechanisms such as enhancement of the epithelial barrier, competitive exclusion of pathogenic microorganisms, production of antimicrobial substances, and interaction with immune system cells via stimulation of pattern recognition receptors (19,20).…”