The use of probiotics based on strains of the genus <i>Bacillus</i> in quail feeding

Abstract

The use of trial specimens of probiotics based on strains of Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus licheniformis and their consortium was experimentally proved to be effective for quail feeding during their growth. The dynamics of live weight gain of quails was monitored. The experiment lasted for 60 days and was carried out in compliance with the standard methods. Quails that were studied were of the Japanese breed formed in four groups of 80 heads in each: one control group and three experimental ones at the age of one day. Quails were kept in a battery cage with all the required environment conditions met. All the groups were fed on the main (control) diet, developed taking into account the age and physiological characteristics of quails. However, birds of experimental groups 1-3 were additionally fed on probiotics based on strains Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus licheniformis and their consortium in the amount of 150 g/t of feed, respectively. The effect of new strains of probiotics and their consortium was tested during the study by the following parameters: the survival rate of birds, intensity of chicken growth, meat productivity and hematological indicators. The optimum variant of probiotics introduction into the diet of quails during their growth period was determined. The recommendations for the preparation of compound feeds with the use of probiotic supplements were developed. The chemical composition of quail feed and meat was studied in the biological laboratory by conventional methods of zootechnical analysis. The introduction of the consortium of strains Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus licheniformis in the amount of 150 g/t led to an increase in the survival rate of quails by 4.0%. The average daily live weight gain increased by 2.57%, feed consumption per one unit of produce decreased by 6.48%. When feeding quails on the consortium of probiotic strains Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus licheniformis in this rate, the mass of the eviscerated bird carcass increased by 3.61%, the protein content in the meat and its biological value increased by 1.06 and 11.11%, respectively. The hematological characteristics of the chickens remained within the physiological norm.