Draft genome assemblies of three Ligilactobacillus salivarius strains isolated from commercial layer hen litter

Direct-fed probiotics in poultry can improve animal nutrition and health while also competing with human foodborne pathogens for colonization of the gastrointestinal tract. The objective of this study was to perform whole-genome sequencing on lactic acid bacteria isolated from commercial chicken litter to characterize genetic markers associated with probiotic potential. Three Ligilactobacillus salivarius strains were selected for whole-genome sequencing using Oxford Nanopore Technology. The genomes contained genes associated with sialic acid utilization, bacteriocin production, and antimicrobial resistance. While these markers may indicate suitability as probiotics in poultry, further experimentation is needed to verify the functionality of the identified genes.