Abstract
Given the promising results of applying Bacillus subtilis (B.subtilis) as a probiotic in both humans and animals, the aim of this study was to systematically investigate the effects of B. subtilis on growth performance, immune response and disease resistance in Cherry Valley ducks. At 28 d post-hatch (dph), ducks fed a diet with B. subtilis weighed significantly more, had higher relative immune organ weights (e.g., bursa of Fabricius, thymus, and spleen), and exhibited greater villus heights, villus height to crypt depth ratios (duodenum and jejunum), and shallower crypt depths in the duodenum than controls fed a normal diet (p < 0.05). Moreover, the major pro-inflammatory factors and antiviral proteins, as measured in the thymus and the spleen, were higher at 28 dph in ducks fed probiotics than those of 14 dph. After 28 d of feeding, the ducks were challenged with Escherichia coli (E. coli) and novel duck reovirus (NDRV), and ducks fed B. subtilis achieved survival rates of 43.3 and 100%, respectively, which were significantly greater than the control group's 20 and 83.3%. Altogether, diets with B. subtilis can improve Cherry Valley ducks' growth performance, innate immune response, and resistance against E. coli and NDRV.
Highlights
The widespread use of antibiotics as therapeutic agents and growth promoters in animal breeding has increased the antibiotic resistance of bacteria, imbalances of normal microflora, and drug residues in food products on a global scale
At 14 dph, dietary supplementation with B. subtilis had significantly increased the relative weights of the bursa of Fabricius, thymus, and spleen
The present results indicated that when used in the diet of ducks as a potential growth promoter at hatching, dietary B. subtilis can benefit ducks’ performance, immune organ index, intestinal
Summary
The widespread use of antibiotics as therapeutic agents and growth promoters in animal breeding has increased the antibiotic resistance of bacteria, imbalances of normal microflora, and drug residues in food products on a global scale. In Europe and South Korea, growth-promoting antibiotics have been banned since 2006 and 2012, respectively, and similar bans are expected in other nations as well (Lillehoj and Lee, 2012). One alternative method that has been recommended due to its successful application is the use of probiotics (Reuter, 2001). Natto could be promoted as a biological product intended for humans and animals (Samanya and Yamauchi, 2002). Direct-fed microbials (DFMs) are live microorganisms which have beneficial effects on host health (Reid et al, 2003).
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