Effects of Feeding of Two Potentially Probiotic Preparations from Lactic Acid Bacteria on the Performance and Faecal Microflora of Broiler Chickens

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of two probiotic preparations, containing live lactic acid bacteria (Lactococcus lactis CECT 539 and Lactobacillus casei CECT 4043) and their products of fermentation (organic acids and bacteriocins), as a replacement for antibiotics in stimulating health and growth of broiler chickens. The effects of the supplementation of both preparations (with proven probiotic effect in weaned piglets) and an antibiotic (avilamycin) on body weight gain (BWG), feed intake (FI), feed consumption efficiency (FCE), relative intestinal weight, and intestinal microbiota counts were studied in 1-day posthatch chickens. The experiments were conducted with medium-growth Sasso X44 chickens housed in cages and with nutritional stressed Ross 308 broiler distributed in pens. Consumption of the different diets did not affect significantly the final coliform counts in Sasso X44 chickens. However, counts of lactic acid bacteria and mesophilic microorganisms were higher in the animals receiving the two probiotic preparations (P < 0.05). In the second experiment, although no differences in BWG were observed between treatments, Ross 308 broilers receiving the probiotic Lactobacillus preparation exhibited the lowest FCE values and were considered the most efficient at converting feed into live weight.

Valorisation of effluents obtained from chemical and enzymatic chitin production of Illex argentinus pen by-products as nutrient supplements for various bacterial fermentations

“…L. plantarum (Lb 2) and L. casei (Lb 1) were selected for this approach since they have proved to have excellent technological properties including probiotic characteristics [25,26] and fermentation starters ability [11,27,28]. As an example, the complete results of Lb 2 in alternative media and MRS are represented in Figure 3.…”

<i>Lactobacillus reuteri</i> Enhances the Mucosal Barrier Function against Heat-killed <i>Salmonella</i> Typhimurium in the Intestine of Broiler Chicks

“…Probiotic bacteria are known as beneficial bacteria because they regulate the host intestinal microflora. An example of probiotic organisms are lactic acid bacteria, which perform immune regulatory functions, such as increasing macrophage and T cell influx into the cecal tonsil and regulating cytokine expression in the ileum and cecum of chickens (Haghighi, et al, 2008;Fajardo, et al, 2012;Hu, et al, 2015;Penha Filho, et al, 2015). In addition, feeding chickens with probiotics, including Lactobacillus sp., reduces infection of the cecum with ST and Salmonella Enteritidis (SE) (Haghighi, et al, 2008;Higgins, et al, 2010;Penha Filho, et al, 2015).…”

Enhancement of Immunological Responses by Dietary <i>Arthrospira platensis</i> and Possibility of Field Applications as Alternative to Antibiotics in Broiler Chicken

“…Therefore, another additive that modulates the mucosal immune system is necessary. For example, several bacteria have been commercially used as probiotics that modulate gut immunity in the chicken industry (Haghighi et al, 2006;Fajardo et al, 2012;Qiu et al, 2012). Currently, 0.1% A. platensis supplementation with complementary substances that modulate the mucosal immunity is recommended to enhance the systemic immune response in broiler chickens.…”