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Probiotics: an Antibiotic Replacement Strategy for Healthy Broilers and Productive Rearing
Deon P Neveling1, Leon M T Dicks2
1Department of Microbiology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, Stellenbosch, 7602, South Africa.
Probiotics and Antimicrobial Proteins
|June 20, 2020
Summary
Probiotics in broiler feed combat multidrug-resistant bacteria, reducing infections and improving gut health. This antibiotic alternative enhances growth, immunity, and feed efficiency in poultry.
Area of Science:
- Animal Science
- Microbiology
- Veterinary Medicine
Background:
- Antibiotic resistance in pathogens poses a significant threat to animal and human health.
- European bans on antibiotic feed additives in broilers necessitate alternative solutions.
- Multidrug-resistant bacteria in poultry raise concerns about zoonotic disease transmission.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of probiotics as an alternative to antibiotics in broiler feed.
- To assess the impact of specific probiotic strains on bacterial colonization and host health.
- To investigate the role of probiotics in improving broiler performance and immune function.
Main Methods:
- Supplementation of broiler feed with various combinations of probiotic bacteria, including Enterococcus faecium, Pediococcus acidilactici, Bacillus species, and Lactobacillus species.
- Monitoring of bacterial colonization in the gastro-intestinal tract (GIT), specifically targeting Campylobacter jejuni, Salmonella Enteritidis, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella Minnesota.
- Assessment of key performance indicators such as feed conversion, weight gain, intestinal morphology, bone characteristics, and immune responses (lysozyme, T lymphocytes).
Main Results:
- Probiotic combinations significantly reduced colonization by Campylobacter jejuni and Salmonella Enteritidis in the broiler GIT.
- Bacillus subtilis improved feed conversion, intestinal morphology, and immune stimulation, while inhibiting E. coli and Salmonella Minnesota.
- Several Lactobacillus and Pediococcus strains enhanced weight gain, bone health, and immune response, alongside reducing Salmonella Enteritidis colonization.
Conclusions:
- Probiotics offer a viable alternative to antibiotics for controlling bacterial infections in broilers.
- Specific probiotic strains can improve broiler health, performance, and gut integrity.
- Probiotics contribute to poultry health through pathogen inhibition, enhanced digestion, and immune modulation.
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