Combination of probiotic and prebiotic impacts Salmonella Enteritidis infection in layer hens

Abstract

Mitigation of food pathogens such as Salmonella continues to be a focus in poultry production, whether on shell eggs or meat products. No single approach is fully able to eliminate the risk, but rather comprehensive programs are used in a multifaceted approach. Targeted in-feed additives are a component of a food safety program and may help to reduce Salmonella infection. This study was aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a probiotic and prebiotic combination feed-additive product (Fulfill Plus) to reduce Salmonella Enteritidis ( S.E. ) infection in layer hens. One-hundred and forty-four (144) 1-day-old Hy-line pullets were raised on new litter until 10 wk of age when they were moved into individual cages. There were 3 treatments, 1) Untreated 2) probiotic and prebiotic combination given D 0 to termination, and 3) probiotic and prebiotic combination given Wk 10 to termination. At 17 weeks-of-age each bird was orally challenged with 3 × 10 6 CFU/bird nalidixic acid resistant strain of S.E. Seven (7) and 14 d postchallenge, ceca and ovaries were aseptically collected and cultured for S.E. Significant differences ( P < 0.05) in prevalence and mean cecal S.E. log 10 MPN/g were observed between 7 d postinfection compared with 14 d postinfection. Addition of probiotic and prebiotic combination at wk 10 (Treatment 3) significantly ( P < 0.05) reduced S.E. numbers in the ceca of these pullets compared to probiotic and prebiotic combination given at D 0 (Treatment 2). Significant differences ( P < 0.05) in prevalence and mean ovary S.E. log10 MPN/g were observed with Treatment 2 being significantly lower than Treatment 3.