Efficacy of a Feed Probiotic Bacteria (Enterococcus faecium NCIMB 10415), Spore (Bacillus subtilis ATCC PTA-6737) and Yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) in Japanese quails

Abstract

Efficacy of a bacteria ( enterococcus faecium NCIMB 10415), spore ( bacillus subtilis  ATCC PTA-6737 ) and yeast ( saccharomyces cerevisiae ) probiotic was tested in quails from day 2 to day 35. A control diet (CON) was supplemented at the recommended dosages to obtain three diets containing a bacteria (D-bacteria), a spore (D-spore) and a yeast (D-yeast). The results indicated that the birds fed on D-yeast significantly (P<0.05) consumed more feed at the age of 16, 30 and 37 days than the birds fed on CON, D-bacteria and D-spore, whose food intake (FI) were almost similar throughout the fattening period. Body weights (BW) and weight gains (WG) of birds fed on probiotic diets were higher than the birds fed on CON diet, especially BW and GW of the birds fed on D-yeast were significantly (P<0.05) greater than birds on CON at the age of 9, 16 and 30 days, and than birds on D-spore at the age of 30 days. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) was (P<0.05) improved in the birds of all probiotic diets, compared to the control bird group at the age of 9 and 16 days. As the birds get older the differences in FCR between control group and probiotic groups were not significant; all FCR were almost similar. Carcass yield was significantly (P<0.05) high in the birds of D-bacteria. A significant increase in the weight and length of digestive tract was seen with the birds of D-spore group. The results indicated that the use of selected probiotics enhanced bird performance, and the effect of D-yeast probiotic was better.