Characterization and probiotic potentials of lactic acid bacteria isolated from ingesta of selected ruminants

Abstract

Studies were carried out to isolate and screen lactic acid bacteria with probiotic potentials and amylolytic activities from the ruminal ingesta of cow and goat. Ninety isolates obtained from the three abattoirs were divided into the following species: Lactobacillus plantarum, L. fermentum, L. pentosus, L. brevis, L. buchneri, L. collinoides, and Leuconostoc mesenteroides. The isolates were screened for probiotic potentials and amylolytic activities. Four isolates possessed probiotic potentials: L. plantarum CA3b, L. fermentum GA2d, L. plantarum GA1d, and L. plantarum GA3e. Lactobacillus plantarum CA3b, L. fermentum GA2d, and L. plantarum GA3e survived pH 2.5 and 3.5 after 180 min. Lactobacillus plantarum GA1d had the highest tolerance of 82.44% and 71.03% to 0.3% and 1% bile salts concentrations, respectively. Lactobacillus plantarum CA3b hydrolysed 3% starch with an average zone of clearance of 10.0 mm, while L. plantarum GA1d hydrolysed 2% with a zone of 9.5 mm. These two strains also possessed bacteriocin activities against E. coli, and were characterised based on their reactions to pH, temperature, and enzymes treatments. Ruminal ingesta of cow and goat harbour lactic acid bacteria possessing amylolytic and probiotic potentials, which can be exploited in the fermentation of feedstock, conferring health benefits and improved performance to these ruminants.