Characterization and Assessment of Native Lactic Acid Bacteria from Broiler Intestines for Potential Probiotic...

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Animal Science
• Probiotics Research

Background:

• Probiotics offer a promising antibiotic alternative for animal production and pathogen control.
• Strains from natural hosts are preferred for better gastrointestinal tract adaptation.
• Antibiotic-free diets necessitate the identification of effective probiotic candidates.

Purpose of the Study:

• To screen Lactobacillus strains with broad-spectrum antibacterial activity from broilers on an antibiotic-free diet.
• To evaluate the potential of selected strains as poultry probiotics.

Main Methods:

• Isolation and screening of 44 lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains from healthy broiler intestines.
• Identification of promising strains using 16S rRNA sequencing.
• Assessment of antimicrobial activity, acid/bile salt tolerance, hydrophobicity, and auto-aggregation.

Main Results:

• Three LAB strains identified: Enterococcus faecium L8, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum L10, and Limosilactobacillus reuteri H11.
• All three isolates showed significant bacteriostatic activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella cholerae.
• L. reuteri H11 demonstrated superior acid/bile tolerance, hydrophobicity, and co-aggregation capabilities.

Conclusions:

• The identified LAB strains, particularly L. reuteri H11, are promising probiotic candidates for poultry.
• These probiotics can be used as feed additives to improve animal production and manage poultry pathogens.
• The study supports the use of naturally derived probiotics in antibiotic-free poultry farming.