Probiotic supplementation as an alternative to antibiotics in broiler chickens

Abstract

Introduction The broiler chicken digestive tract microbiome maintains the bird’s immunity. Its composition has been shown to be important not only for the immune system but also for the gastrointestinal function and productivity of broiler chickens. If the microbiome is populated by supplementation with Lactobacillus, Pediococcus and Saccharomyces spp. – microorganisms with probiotic properties and alternatives to antibiotics – the immune system is stimulated. The use of probiotic supplements in the broiler production cycle can boost bird immunity and prevent adenovirus infection. The resilience of broiler chickens in different feeding schemes including supplementation with these microorganisms was assessed. Material and Methods Four groups of Ross 308 chickens vaccinated on the standard scheme were investigated over 42 days. Group P received probiotics, prebiotics and vitamins; group AO received antibiotics; group P&AO received probiotics, prebiotics, vitamins and antibiotics; and the control group C received none of these. The birds’ immunocompetence against common viral poultry pathogens and their immune response to an experimental challenge with a field strain of infectious bronchitis was evaluated by ELISA and production parameters were recorded. Results Mortality was only observed in the control group and was 10%. All birds from the P, P&AO and AO groups responded to the challenge as would be expected of appropriately immunised chickens. Conclusion The obtained results indicated that supplementation with synbiotic products and vitamins can enhance broiler chicken immunity and result in better production parameters.

Molecular characteristics of fowl adenovirus strains detected in broiler chickens on diets without immunostimulant supplements

“…The broilers were examined on the 1 st , 21 st and 42 nd days of life. The scheme of the supplementation with probiotic supplements and antibiotics was the same as that described by Tomczyk et al ( 32 ).…”

“…Current commercial poultry base diets do not include any Lactobacillus , Bifidobacterium , Pediococcus or Saccharomyces probiotics and prebiotics. These are the species that are known to stimulate the immunity and strengthen the intestinal barrier of chickens against pathogenic bacteria ( 3 , 7 , 32 ). A study suggested that the use of a probiotic and prebiotic mix as a supplement three times during the broiler production cycle has a positive effect on the health of the broilers and decreases pathogen load with increasing immunity ( 32 ).…”