Effect of a probiotic containing lactobacilli and bifidobacteria on the metabolic processes, litter microbiocenosis, and production indicators of broiler Pekin ducklings

Abstract

Background and Aim: The use of antibiotics is prohibited in poultry feeding in many countries worldwide, which has resulted in the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Therefore, probiotic supplements are a good alternative in these circumstances. Probiotics, including Bifidobacterium adolescentis and Lactobacillus acidophilus, can reduce the development of resistance and stimulate the growth of broiler ducklings. This study aimed to evaluate properties of the probiotic supplement containing these bacteria. Materials and Methods: We studied the response of broiler ducklings to the addition of a dietary probiotic supplement containing lactobacilli and bifidobacteria until they reached 7 weeks of age. All birds participating in the experiment received probiotic supplements on days 1-7, 15-21, 29-35. The state of the ducklings was assessed on day 21. At the age of 21 and 42 days, 4-5 ml of blood was drawn from the wing vein of 10 randomly selected birds (5 in each group). Blood samples were analyzed for total protein, concentration of glucose, hemoglobin, calcium and inorganic phosphorus, as well as the number of erythrocytes and leukocytes. Enzymatic calorimetric method, molybdate method, and haemocytometry according to Nutt method and haemoglobin cyanide method were used to analyze blood samples. Results: The live weight of the experimental ducklings increased by 5.0%, showing a positive effect of probiotic supplementation, whereas their feed consumption per kilogram of weight gain decreased. Their hemoglobin content and red blood cell count increased. Although the number of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria increased, the number of Escherichia coli cells decreased 2.15-fold (p<0.05). The addition of the probiotic supplement contributed to improving the digestibility of protein and fat by 1.6%, fiber by 3.4%, and nitrogen-free extractive substances by 4.7%. The broiler ducklings had high meat quality indicators, including dressing percentage, which increased by 5.4%, whereas the fat content decreased by 1.3%. Conclusion: The introduction of the probiotic supplement in the diet of broiler ducklings improved their growth indicators and increased the number of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria while decreasing the number of E. coli cells in the intestine. It not only improved the meat quality but also increased the profit from $0.392 per bird in the control group to $0.472 per bird in the experimental group. Therefore, this probiotic supplement is a good alternative for raising ducklings in large enterprises and farms. The study limitations may be that the results are only applicable to broiler ducklings. The use of lactobacilli may yield different results in other bird breeds or broiler ducklings in different age groups.

Physiological Basis of Probiotics use for Growing Gees

“…At the age of 62 days in the I experimental group, the differences with the control were 13.2% (p<0.001), and in the II experimental group -1.6%. (Khabirov et al, 2020(Khabirov et al, , 2021(Khabirov et al, , 2022.…”

Effects of Compound Probiotics on Growth Performance, Serum Biochemical and Immune Indices, Antioxidant Capacity, and Intestinal Tissue Morphology of Shaoxing Duck

“…Feed is the largest duck production cost; meeting feed requirements is important for successful duck farming. One study revealed that an increase in the digestibility of feed components and an improvement in feed conversion are the primary effects of probiotic supplements [ 23 ]. In this experiment, the live BW (days 85 and 125) and the ADG (28–85 d, 85–125 d, and 1–125 d) of the CP group were significantly higher than those of the Ctrl group.…”

“…Feed supplemented with Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria stimulated the protein metabolism [ 23 ]. Additionally, the TP and albumin levels in the blood serum of 42-day-old ducklings fed probiotic-supplemented feed increased significantly.…”

Cell-Free Culture Supernatant of Lactobacillus acidophilus AG01 and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis AG02 Reduces the Pathogenicity of NetB-Positive Clostridium perfringens in a Chicken Intestinal Epithelial Cell Line

“…A range of probiotic effects of Bifidobacterium sp. in poultry have also been reported in numerous in vitro and in vivo studies [21,22], including in broilers challenged with C. perfringens or with Salmonella typhimurium [23,24]. The reported effects range from improved weight gain and other growth indicators, to pathogen exclusion, to increased production of inflammatory cytokines and certain blood serum parameters.…”