Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 17, 2026
05:51
Production of Germ-Free Fast-Growing Broilers from a Commercial Line for Microbiota Studies
Published on: June 18, 2020
3.6K
Probiotic Enhanced Intestinal Immunity in Broilers against Subclinical Necrotic Enteritis.
Hesong Wang1, Xueqin Ni1, Xiaodan Qing1
1Animal Microecology Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.
Frontiers in Immunology
|December 7, 2017
Summary
Necrotic enteritis (NE) is a major poultry problem, especially subclinical NE (SNE). Lactobacillus johnsonii BS15 supplementation improved broiler growth and intestinal immunity, preventing SNE-related damage and supporting its use as a probiotic alternative.
Area of Science:
- Poultry Science
- Microbiology
- Immunology
Background:
- Subclinical necrotic enteritis (SNE) poses a significant threat to the poultry industry, particularly with antibiotic bans.
- Probiotics are being researched as alternatives to antibiotics for preventing SNE in broilers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of Lactobacillus johnsonii BS15 in preventing subclinical necrotic enteritis (SNE) in broilers.
- To assess the impact of BS15 on broiler growth performance and intestinal mucosal immunity.
Main Methods:
- 300 Cobb 500 broiler chicks were divided into five groups: control, SNE-infected, BS15-supplemented, treatment, and prevention.
- Chicks were fed experimental diets for 42 days, with SNE infection induced in four groups.
- Growth performance, ileal and cecal tonsil immunity, and intestinal tissue integrity were analyzed.
Main Results:
- BS15 supplementation in the BS15 and prevention groups counteracted SNE-induced reductions in body weight gain and improved feed conversion ratio.
- BS15 protected ileal villi from SNE-induced damage and inhibited decreases in ileal immunoglobulins.
- BS15 modulated T cell subsets in the ileum, enhanced antioxidant capacity, and regulated apoptosis pathways.
Conclusions:
- Lactobacillus johnsonii BS15 demonstrates potential in preventing subclinical necrotic enteritis in broilers.
- BS15 supplementation enhances intestinal immunity and protects against SNE-induced growth impairment.
- BS15 offers a promising probiotic strategy for mitigating SNE challenges in poultry production.
