Novel multi-strain probiotics reduces Pasteurella multocida induced fowl cholera mortality in broilers

Area of Science:

• Poultry Science
• Microbiology
• Immunology

Background:

• Fowl cholera, caused by Pasteurella multocida, poses significant economic and ecological threats to the global poultry industry.
• Effective control strategies are crucial to mitigate the impact of this highly contagious disease.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of a novel multi-strain probiotic blend on broiler chickens challenged with P. multocida.
• To assess the probiotic's impact on growth performance, intestinal microbiota, hematological parameters, and anti-inflammatory gene expression.

Main Methods:

• 120 broilers were divided into groups, with one group receiving a basal diet supplemented with probiotics (Lactobacillus plantarum, L. fermentum, Pediococcus acidilactici, Enterococcus faecium, Saccharomyces cerevisiae) at 10^8 CFU/kg.
• Birds were orally challenged with P. multocida (10^8 CFU/mL).
• Growth performance, feed efficiency, intestinal microbiota, hematological parameters, and expression of anti-inflammatory genes (HIF1A, TSG-6, PTGER2) were analyzed.

Main Results:

• Probiotic supplementation significantly improved growth performance and feed efficiency (P < 0.05).
• A significant reduction in intestinal P. multocida and enterobacteria populations, along with decreased mortality, was observed (P < 0.05).
• Hematological parameters (total cholesterol, WBC, proteins, glucose, PCV, lymphocytes) and expression of anti-inflammatory genes were favorably modulated in probiotic-fed birds (P < 0.05).

Conclusions:

• Dietary inclusion of this novel multi-strain probiotic enhances broiler growth, feed efficiency, and gut health.
• The probiotics effectively attenuated inflammatory responses, clinical signs, and mortality associated with P. multocida infection.
• This probiotic blend represents a promising strategy for managing fowl cholera in poultry production.