Effects of dietary supplementation of probiotics (Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus licheniformis, and Bacillus natto) on broiler muscle development and meat quality

Abstract

This paper aims to evaluate the effects of probiotics (Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus licheniformis, and Bacillus natto) on muscle development and meat quality of broilers. In this study, 480 broilers (1 day old) were randomly divided into 4 groups. Group A was fed with a basal diet. The basal diets of Group B, Group C, and Group D were respectively supplemented with 50 mg/kg chlortetracycline, 200 mg/kg probiotics, and 400 mg/kg probiotics. On day 21 and day 42, in each group, 18 randomly selected broilers were tested to determine muscle performances. On day 21, compared with Group A, Group C and Group D showed no significant difference in muscle weight, muscle fiber diameter, meat color, drip loss, shear loss, or cooking loss (P > 0.05). On day 42, compared with Group A, Group C and Group D showed significant increases in muscle weight and muscle fiber diameter and significant decreases in b* value, drip loss, cooking loss, and shear force (P < 0.05). Compared with Group A and Group B, Group C and Group D showed obviously improved muscle microstructure. In conclusion, diets supplemented with 200 or 400 mg/kg probiotics could promote muscular development and meat quality of broilers in the late stage of growth.