Host-derived bacillus spp. as probiotic additives for improved growth performance in broilers

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Microbiology
• Veterinary Medicine

Background:

• Antibiotic use in animal feed is increasingly restricted.
• Probiotics are emerging as alternatives for maintaining animal health.
• Gosling gut microbiota is a potential source for novel probiotic strains.

Purpose of the Study:

• To screen and evaluate Bacillus strains from gosling gut for probiotic potential.
• To assess the efficacy of selected probiotics in improving broiler growth and gut health.
• To determine if these probiotics can serve as a viable alternative to antibiotics.

Main Methods:

• Isolation and identification of Bacillus strains (B. subtilis, B. licheniformis, B. amyloliquefaciens) from healthy goslings.
• In vitro testing for acid and bile salt tolerance, and inhibition of pathogenic bacteria (E. coli, Salmonella).
• In vivo safety and growth performance studies in broilers, including analysis of immune organ index and fecal microbiota.

Main Results:

• B. subtilis AH-G201 and B. licheniformis AH-G202 demonstrated significant gastrointestinal resistance and inhibited pathogenic E. coli and Salmonella.
• These strains showed no adverse effects on broiler growth and improved overall performance.
• Combined administration of AH-G201 and AH-G202 enhanced spleen weight and lactic acid bacteria counts in broilers.

Conclusions:

• Bacillus subtilis AH-G201 and Bacillus licheniformis AH-G202 possess excellent probiotic properties.
• These strains can effectively replace antibiotics, improving broiler growth performance and gut health.
• The findings support the clinical application of these novel probiotics in poultry farming.