Pediocin A improves growth performance of broilers challenged with Clostridium perfringens

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Microbiology
• Veterinary Medicine

Background:

• Clostridium perfringens proliferation causes negative effects in broilers.
• Pediocin A, produced by Pediococcus pentosaceus, exhibits anticlostridial properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the efficacy of pediocin A in controlling Clostridium proliferation and its effects on broiler performance.
• To evaluate the impact of Pediococcus pentosaceus FBB61 and its pediocin A on broiler health and growth.

Main Methods:

• Two studies were conducted involving Ross 508 broilers challenged with Clostridium perfringens.
• Broilers were fed control diets or diets supplemented with Pediococcus pentosaceus FBB61 (with or without pediocin A).
• Growth performance (BW, ADG, ADFI, FCR), necrotic enteritis lesions, and microbiological examinations were assessed.

Main Results:

• Pediocin A supplementation significantly increased average daily gain (ADG) and body weight (BW) in broilers challenged with C. perfringens.
• In the short term, pediocin A improved broiler growth performance by up to 23%.
• Over a 42-day period, pediocin A supplementation tended to restore ADG depletion caused by C. perfringens challenge.

Conclusions:

• Dietary supplementation with pediocin A is effective in improving broiler growth performance during C. perfringens challenge.
• Pediocin A shows potential as a feed additive to mitigate the adverse effects of Clostridium proliferation in poultry.
• Further research may explore optimal dosage and long-term effects of pediocin A in broiler diets.