Dietary Inclusion Of Probiotic Research Articles

Effects of Multistrain Probiotic Supplementation on Sows' Emotional and Cognitive States and Progeny Welfare.

The intensification of production systems has resulted in detrimental effects on sow welfare, which can have an adverse influence on their offspring. Considering the relevance of the microbiota-gut-brain axis, probiotics can mitigate such impacts. To investigate the effects of the dietary inclusion of probiotics on the welfare of sows and piglets, 147 multiparous sows were randomly assigned to two groups: a control group or a group supplemented with a multistrain probiotic from the beginning of pregnancy to the end of lactation. The human-animal relationship (HAR), stereotypic behavior, position changes, salivary cortisol, and plasma serotonin levels were assessed in the sows. The piglets' back test behavior and organ weight were analyzed. The probiotic-supplemented sows exhibited a better HAR index (p = 0.017), which indicated reduced aversion towards humans. The frequency of stereotypies was not influenced by the treatments. However, the supplemented sows spent more time standing (p = 0.054) and less time lying down (p = 0.008). The cortisol level of the supplemented sows was 50% lower (p = 0.047) and the serotonin levels were 11% higher (p = 0.034) than control animals. The multistrain piglets were more passive and less resistant (p = 0.076) in the back test. The organ weights were not influenced by treatments. In conclusion, the sows supplemented with probiotics showed less fear and more motivation indicators, while their piglets showed less aggression behaviors.

Dietary Probiotic Supplementation; Effects on Fecundity and Relationship with Biometric Parameters of Clarias gariepinus

The implications of probiotics in aquaculture including host health, reproductive development, welfare and nutrition has driven the demand for commercial probiotics for use in aquaculture operations either as feed supplements or through direct application. This study was conducted to evaluate the long-term effects of varying dietary amounts of probiotic supplements on C. gariepinus. Five isonitrogenous diets (42% crude protein) were supplemented with probiotics as follows: Feed A (0 g/kg TPS), Feed B (0.5 g/kg TPS), Feed C (1.0 g/kg TPS), Feed D (1.5 g/kg TPS) and Feed E (2 g/kg TPS) and fed to the experimental fishes in triplicate groups for 38 weeks. Results obtained showed that there was no significant difference in mean fecundity between fish fed the control and probiotic-enriched diets (P > 0.05), with diet B containing 0.5 g/kg Taslyprobiotics having the highest fecundity (61,714.00 ± 4,469.43 eggs) and diet C (1.0 g) having the lowest fecundity (49,568.14 ± 3,920.68 eggs). There was a linear relationship between fecundity of Clarias gariepinus with all body parameters such as body weight, ovary weight, and total length and fecundity of female fish.In addition, a positive and significant correlation was obtained between fecundity and all body parameters. Additionally, there was no uniform increase in fecundity with increasing dietary probiotic inclusion level. In conclusion, probiotics supplementation in diets may boost fecundity but increase in probiotic dietary inclusion level will not result in a corresponding increase in fecundity of C. gariepinus.

Effects of dietary organic acids and probiotics on laying performance, egg quality, serum antioxidants and expressions of reproductive genes of laying ducks in the late phase of production

Five hundred and forty Cheery Valley ducks were used to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation of acidifier and compound probiotics, individually or in combination, on production performance, egg quality, immune and oxidative status, expression of reproductive, and calcium binding related genes from 42 wk to 48 wk of age. Ducks were randomly allocated to 9 treatment groups with 6 replicates and 10 ducks per replicate for each group. A 3 × 3 factorial arrangement, with 3 dietary inclusion levels of acidifier and probiotics (0, 2, and 3 g/kg acidifier; 0, 1, and 2 g/kg probiotics) were used. The acidifier used was mainly consisted of Benzoic acid, Fumaric acid, phosphoric acid, and formic acid. The main components of the probiotics were Bacillus subtilis and Clostridium butyricum. Dietary supplementation of probiotics improved the daily feed intake, egg production rate, and body weight of ducks (P < 0.05), and diet acidifier also increased the daily feed intake compared to the control (P < 0.01). Egg quality was improved by diet inclusion of probiotics, including Haugh unit, albumen height, egg shape index (P < 0.01), and eggshell hardness (P = 0.05). A significant increase in Haught unit and yolk weight was observed in ducks fed diet added with acidifier (P < 0.05). Acidifier supplementation reduced the total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), immunoglobulin A (IgA), and IgG content and the catalase (CAT) activity in the serum (P < 0.05), in accompanied with an increased malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration (P < 0.05). Serum total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) activities were improved by dietary inclusion of probiotics (P < 0.05). There was an interaction effects on serum IgA and IgG contents between acidifier and probiotics (P < 0.05). Diet supplementation of probiotics improved the ovary follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) and estrogen receptor (ER) gene expressions (P < 0.01), while dietary acidifier reduced the transcription levels of FSHR and luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR) (P < 0.01) in ovary. In the uterus of the oviduct, expressions of FSHR, and carbonic anhydrase 2 (CA2) were also increased by diet probiotics (P < 0.01), and diet acidifier reduced the gene expressions of calbindin-D28k (CaBP-D28k) and CA2 (P < 0.05). Significant interaction effects between diet acidifier and probiotics were obtained on gene expressions of FSHR, LHR, and ovalbumin (OVAL) in the ovary (P < 0.05), and LHR, CaBP-D28k, and CA2 (P < 0.05) in the uterus. It can be concluded that production performance and egg quality of laying ducks can be improved in the late phase of reproduction by dietary inclusion of probiotics, while the organic acid mixture caused a decline in serum antioxidant and immune capacity of the ducks.

Serum biochemistry profile and liver function indices of broiler chickens served dietary inclusion of probiotics (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and enzyme

As the use of antibiotics as growth promoters have been banned in different countries, researchers have been working hard to find alternatives to antibiotics, and also come up with other substances that can promote growth, health and productivity in broiler chickens. The study was conducted to evaluate the serum biochemistry of broiler chickens served dietary inclusion of probiotics (Saccharomyces cereviasae) and enzyme. One hundred and twenty, one day-old broiler chicks Ross strain were used for the study. The birds were randomly allotted to four dietary treatments. Each treatment contained 30 birds replicated three times to contain 10 birds per replicate in a completely randomized design experiment. The four dietary treatments were T1 Control (no probiotics and no enzyme), T2 (both probiotics and enzyme), T3 (Probiotics only) and T4 (Enzyme only). The probiotics and enzyme was included at 0.8% and 0.02%, respectively. The birds were given feed and water ad-libitum. The experiment lasted for eight weeks. At the end of the experimental period, three birds were randomly chosen from each replicate for serum biochemistry profiling and liver function test. The results showed that inclusion of probiotics and enzyme had significant effect (p&lt;0.05) on the serum biochemistry profile and liver function indices. Low density lipoprotein was reduced from 3.83±0.60g/l in the control group to 2.18±0.12g/l in T2 (Probiotic and Enzyme) group. Lymphocytes values ranged from 26.00% to 38.00% in the treated groups, while the control had 45.67%. The dietary inclusion of probiotics and enzyme reduced total cholesterol from 5.07g/l to 4.22g/l and low density lipoprotein from 3.83g/l to 2.18g/l in the (probiotics and enzyme) treated group and also improved liver function indices of the broiler chickens. Aspartate aminotransferase, Alanine aminotransferase, Alkaline phosphatase and total bilirubin had range values of 114.67 to 150.67 µl, (21.00 to 28.67 µl, 10.33 to 17.00 µl and 1.30 to 1.47mg/dl, respectively. It was therefore, concluded that combination of probiotics and enzyme should be included in broiler diets for immunity improvement, good liver function and reduction in cholesterol levels. &#x0D; &#x0D; Depuis l'interdit de l'utilisation d'antibiotiques comme stimulateur de croissance dans différents pays, les chercheurs ont travaillé dur pour trouver des alternatives aux antibiotiques, ainsi que d'autres substances susceptibles de favoriser la croissance, la santé et la productivité des poulets de chair. L'étude a été menée pour évaluer la biochimie sérique des poulets de chair a servi d'inclusion alimentaire de probiotiques (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) et d'enzymes. Des poussins de chair Ross de cent vingt et un jours ont été utilisés pour l'étude. Les oiseaux ont été attribués au hasard à quatre traitements diététiques. Chaque traitement contenait 30 oiseaux répliqués trois fois pour contenir 10 oiseaux par réplica dans une expérience de conception complètement aléatoire. Les quatre traitements diététiques étaient le contrôle T1 (sans probiotiques et sans enzyme), T2 (probiotiques et enzyme), T3 (probiotiques uniquement) et T4 (enzyme uniquement). Les probiotiques et l'enzyme ont été inclus à 0,8% et 0,02%, respectivement. Les oiseaux ont reçu de la nourriture et de l'eau ad-libitum. L'expérience a duré huit semaines. À la fin de la période expérimentale, trois oiseaux ont été choisis au hasard dans chaque réplique pour le profilage de la biochimie sérique et le test de la fonction hépatique. Les résultats ont montré que l'inclusion de probiotiques et d'enzymes avait un effet significatif (p &lt;0,05) sur le profil biochimique sérique et les indices de la fonction hépatique. Les lipoprotéines de basse densité ont été réduites de 3,83 ± 0,60 g / l dans le groupe témoin à 2,18 ± 0,12 g / l dans le groupe T2 (probiotique et enzyme). Les valeurs des lymphocytes variaient de 26,00% à 38,00% dans les groupes traités, tandis que le témoin en avait 45,67%. L'inclusion alimentaire de probiotiques et d'enzymes a réduit le cholestérol total de 5,07 g / l à 4,22 g / l et les lipoprotéines de basse densité de 3,83 g / l à 2,18 g / l dans le groupe traité (probiotiques et enzyme) et a également amélioré les indices de la fonction hépatique des poulets de chair. L'aspartate aminotransférase, l'alanine aminotransférase, la phosphatase alcaline et la bilirubine totale avaient des valeurs comprises entre 114,67 et 150,67 µl, (21,00 à 28,67 µl, 10,33 à 17,00 µl et 1,30 à 1,47 mg / dl, respectivement. Il a donc été conclu que l'association de probiotiques et d'enzyme doivent être inclus dans les régimes alimentaires pour poulets de chair pour l'amélioration de l'immunité, la bonne fonction hépatique et la réduction du taux de cholestérol.

Growth performance and haematological profile of broiler chickens served dietary inclusion of probiotics (Saccharomyces cereviasae) and enzyme (bio-enzyme)

This study was conducted to evaluate the growth performance and haematological profiles of broiler chickens served dietary inclusion of probiotics (Saccharomyces cereviasae) and enzyme (Bio-enzyme). One hundred and twenty, one day-old broiler chicks of Agrited strain were used for the study. The birds were randomly allotted to four dietary treatments. Each treatment contained 30 birds replicated three times to contain 10 birds per replicate in a completely randomized design experiment. The four dietary treatments were T1 Control (no probiotics and enzyme), T2 (had both probiotics and enzyme), T3 (probiotics only) and T4 (Enzyme only). The birds were given feed and water ad-libitum and the quantity of feed consumed each day was determined through weigh back techniques while the birds were weighed weekly throughout the experimental period. The experiment lasted eight weeks. The results showed significant (p&lt;0.05) differences in the final body weight, total weight gain, average daily weight gain, total feed intake, average daily feed intake and feed conversion ratio. Chickens on treatment 2 had the highest final body weight of 3011.57g and performed better than chickens in other dietary treatments. Similar trend was observed in the haematological profile as treatment two were highest in value across the treatments and parameters measured except in packed cell volume where the highest value (36.33 %) was recorded in treatment 4. It was concluded from the study that treatment two which contained both probiotics and enzyme performed better and thus, recommended to farmers for broiler production.

Reproductive physiology of Rhamdia quelen is improved by dietary inclusion of probiotics

This study evaluated the effects of a probiotic additive on reproductive variables of the silver catfish (Rhamdia quelen). Three hundred juveniles (initial mean weight 17.35 ± 0.97 g) were fed for 90 days with diets containing increasing levels of a probiotic additive (0.15, 0.30, 0.45 and 0.60 g/kg of feed), which consisted of a blend between Bacillus subtilis and B. cereus, both at a concentration of 4 × 1011 CFU/g, and a control diet without the additive. In males, the presence of the probiotic had an effect on relative seminal volume, sperm cells’ survival, gonadosomatic, hepatosomatic and viscerosomatic indexes, as well as transpose beat frequency, displacement velocity, motility rate and straightness of sperm cells. In females, the probiotic inclusion resulted in presented better in spawning and fertilization rates, viscerosomatic fat accumulation and development of germ cells. Additionally, the hepatic integrity and hepatocyte developmental characteristics were preserved by the presence of the probiotic additive. Thus, the inclusion of 0.60 g/kg of the probiotic could be recommended for the improvement of the reproductive performance of R. quelen.

Effects of dietary probiotic (Pediococcus acidilactici) supplementation on productive performance, egg quality, and body composition in laying hens fed diets varying in energy density

This study was conducted to determine the effect of probiotic Pediococcus acidilactici (PA) strain MA18/5M supplementation of diets with different dietary energy levels on productive performance, egg quality, and body composition in Hy-Line Brown hens during a 16-week period from 32 to 47 wk of age. The experimental treatments with a 2 × 2 factorial design received a 2 wheat–corn–soybean diet: a moderately low energy density diet with 2,650 kcal ME/kg (M-LED) and a low energy density diet based on the M-LED diet with 2,550 kcal ME/kg (LED), each diet without and with probiotic supplementation (M-LED, LED, M-LEDp, and LEDp, respectively). Reduced dietary energy levels had a particularly negative effect on egg weight (61.7 vs. 63.3 g; −2.6%, P < 0.001), egg mass output (1.67 vs. 1.71 kg; −2.4%, P = 0.015), and FCR (2.01 vs. 1.97 kg feed/kg egg; +2%, P = 0.028). In hens administered the LED diet, deteriorated productive performance was accompanied by greater body weight loss (P < 0.001) and reduced abdominal fat content (P < 0.033) as compared with the M-LED group. Dietary probiotic inclusion increased egg weight (P = 0.015), including relative eggshell weight (P = 0.008) and eggshell thickness (P = 0.002) and significantly improved FCR (P = 0.010). No interactions between the PA-based probiotic and dietary energy levels were found in any of the tested parameters. Adding the probiotic on top of the M-LED diet improved layers performance but resulted in nonbioequivalence for the egg weight, egg mass output, and FCR compared with this group without probiotic. Probiotic supplementation of the LEDp diet improved all performance parameters except for egg weight. As a result, the laying rate, egg mass output, daily feed intake, and FCR in the LEDp treatment were bioequivalent to those noted in the M-LED group without the probiotic. The results of a bioequivalence test suggest that a low energy diet fed to laying hens promoted a probiotic response to improve energy utilization by birds.

Influence of dietary probiotic inclusion on growth performance, nutrient utilization, ruminal fermentation activities and methane production in growing lambs

The use of two probiotic products as a means of improving in vitro and ruminal dry matter digestibility, fermentation characteristics and growth performance of Barki lambs were evaluated. The probiotic products in powder (PP) or liquid (PL) forms were produced from Ruminococcus flavefaciens, through an anaerobic fermentation process. Barki lambs (n = 30; 24.5 ± 0.5 kg body weight) were used in a completely randomized block design and randomly assigned among three experimental groups and fed for 75 days. Lambs were fed an equal amount of concentrate feed mixture with either no probiotic product (control), or with 20 g of PP, or 10 ml of PL per animal/d, with rice straw ad libitum. Both PP and PL treatments resulted in an increase (p < 0.05) in nearly all of the digestibility coefficients, nitrogen utilization, cell wall constituents, total volatile fatty acids, rumen volume, microbial nitrogen synthesis, gas production and average daily gain compared to the control group. Ruminal ammonia nitrogen, acetic acid and in vitro methane concentrations and protozoa count decreased (p < 0.03) in the treatment groups. Overall, the probiotic in a powder or liquid form increased in vitro dry matter digestibility, improved lambs daily gain and nutrient digestibility.

The Effect of Dietary Inclusion of Probiotics on Growth and Intestinal Morphology of Broiler Chickens

The Effect of Dietary Inclusion of Probiotics on Growth and Intestinal Morphology of Broiler Chickens

Effect of dietary probiotics and stocking density on carcass traits, meat quality, microbial populations and ileal histomorphology in broilers under hot-climate conditions

The objective of the present study was to investigate the potential effects associated with dietary probiotic inclusion and the stocking density on carcass traits, meat chemical composition, meat sensory quality, microbial populations and ileal histomorphology in broiler chickens raised under hot climate conditions. In total, 1800 1-day-old unsexed broiler chicks (Ross 308) were randomly allocated in a completely randomised design according to a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement, with three concentrations of a dietary probiotic (0, 200 and 400 mg/kg) containing 4 × 109 cfu/g of Bacillus subtilis and two stocking densities (12 or 18 birds/m2), forming six treatments, with three pens (replicates) each. The probiotic concentration had no significant (P &amp;gt; 0.05) effect on bodyweight gain, feed consumption, feed conversion ratio, carcass percentage and meat chemical composition. Dietary probiotic inclusion significantly (P = 0.02) increased the scores of meat colour and odour. The acceptability score was significantly (P &amp;lt; 0.03) affected by the stocking density. Dietary supplementation of the probiotic at both 200 and 400 mg/kg significantly (P = 0.05) reduced the counts of Escherichia coli and Salmonella in the gut and litter. In meat, dietary supplementation of the probiotic at 200 and 400 mg/kg significantly (P = 0.03) reduced the counts of E. coli, compared with those of the control group. Moreover, Salmonella was not detected in meat. Regarding the ileal villi and crypt morphology, dietary probiotic supplementation significantly (P = 0.05) increased the height of the villus. There were no significant probiotic concentration × stocking density interactions for any of the investigated parameters, except for the gizzard percentage. Thus, dietary probiotic supplementation in broilers raised under a high ambient temperature had a significantly positive effect on the ileal villus height and a significantly negative effect on the counts of E. coli and Salmonella in the gut and litter. No negative effects on growth performance, carcass parts and meat quality were detected.

Dietary inclusion of commercial toxin binders and probiotics alleviate adverse effects of aflatoxin on growth performance, immune responses, and blood biochemical parameters of broiler chicks

Abstract This study was conducted to investigate the efficiency of dietary inclusion of commercial toxin binders and probiotics on performance, immune responses, intestinal morphology and blood biochemical parameters of broiler chicks fed with aflatoxin-contaminated diets. A total of 420 1-d-old broiler chicks, initial weight of 42 ±Â 3 g, were assigned to 7 treatments with 5 replications (n = 12). Experimental treatments included 1) non aflatoxin contaminated diet (NC), 2) aflatoxin-contaminated diet (PC), 3) PC diet containing probiotic, 4) PC diet containing ASRI1 toxin binder, 5) PC diet containing ASRI2 toxin binder, 6) PC diet containing probiotic+ASRI1 toxin binder, 7) PC diet containing probiotic+ASRI2 toxin binder. Humoral and cellular immunity, performance, intestinal morphology, and blood biochemistry parameters were evaluated. Results showed that body weight and feed conversion ratio were respectively higher and lower in the NC group compared with the PC group in the grower and finisher periods. Humoral and cellular immunity was reduced in broiler chicks receiving the PC diet compared with the NC diet (P < 0.05). Serum concentrations of liver enzymes were significantly increased in broiler chicks fed with NC diets (P < 0.05) compared with the PC diet groups. However, dietary inclusion of probiotics, commercial toxin binders and especially the combination of commercial toxin binders and probiotics could significantly alleviate adverse effects of aflatoxin on performance, immunity and some blood biochemistry parameters. It can be concluded that inclusion of a combination of probiotic and toxin binders to the diet is an efficient strategy in alleviating the negative effects of aflatoxin on broiler performance and health.

English

English

Effects of dietary physical form and dietary inclusion of probiotic and enzyme on growth performance, cellular and humoral immunity, and relative weights of lymphoid organs at early period of broiler chickens fed triticale-based diets

The aim of the present study was to investigate interactions between feed form and dietary inclusion of probiotics (live organisms) and enzymes on growth performance, cellular and humoral immunity, and relative weights of lymphoid organs of broiler chicks fed a triticale-based diet. A total of 640 broiler chicks were allocated to eight treatments when they were one day old, with four replicates (n = 20 chicks in each). The dietary treatments consisted of feed form (pellets or mash) and dietary supplementation with or without a Bacillus-based probiotic (0.03% diet) and enzyme (carbohydrase, 0.05% diet) in a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial arrangement. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) was calculated based on feed intake (FI) and weight gain (WG). The WG of the broiler chicks fed the pelleted diets containing the enzyme and probiotic (alone or in combination) was greater than that of the birds fed the mash diets without these additives. Significant interaction effects of the enzyme and probiotic on FCR and FI were observed in the starter period. The heterophil : lymphocyte (H : L) ratio of the chicks fed the pelleted diet containing the enzyme and probiotic was lower than that of the birds fed the other diets. The cellular immunity of the birds fed this diet increased after 24 hours, as shown by the results of a challenge experiment with dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) or an injection of phytohemagglutinin (PHA). In conclusion, feed form and supplementation of a triticale-based diet with feed enzymes and probiotics can greatly improve the growth performance and immunity of broiler chicks. Keywords : Dinitrochlorobenzene, Di-Pro probiotic, phytohemagglutinin, Rovabio enzyme, spleen, viscosity

Effect of probiotic supplementation and genotype on growth performance, carcass traits, hematological parameters and immunity of growing rabbits under hot environmental conditions.

The effect of dietary inclusion of probiotics and genetic groups on rabbit performance under hot environmental conditions was studied. A total of 80 rabbits aged 8weeks were distributed into a completely randomized design in a 4×3 factorial arrangement, including four genetic groups and three concentrations of dietary probiotic (0, 200 and 400g/t feed). The utilized probiotic contained 4×109 colony-forming units/g of Bacillus subtilis. Jabali local breed (J), imported Spanish V-line (V) and their crossbreds (¼J¾V and ¾J¼V) were included in the current study. Final weight and body weight gain were not significantly affected by dietary probiotic levels or genetic group. The feed conversion ratio was better for purebreds than that of crossbreds. A significant improvement in percentage of dressed carcass, mid and hind parts was recorded for rabbits fed a diet containing 400g probiotic/t feed compared with those fed a basal diet or low probiotic level. Probiotic supplementation had a significant decrease in serum cholesterol. Rabbits given 400g probiotic/t feed had higher hemoglobin, red blood cells and platelets. Adding 400g probiotic/t feed to rabbit's diet significantly (P≤0.05) improved cell-mediated immunity compared to the other treatments 48h post-injection.

Effectiveness of non-antibiotic stimulators in Japanese quail diet: Gender comparison and economical annex

AbstractEconomical as well as medicinal and nutritional benefits of Japanese quails are important. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of dietary inclusion of probiotics and humic acids on some antioxidant, carcass and egg production parameters of Japanese quails. As Japanese quails are an interesting animal model attracting attention in the last years, a partial aim of this study is also a brief economical annex to the topic. A total of 60 birds (30 males and 30 females, age of 35 days) were involved in the experiment. Animals were fed by standard basal diet and divided to 6 experimental groups as follows: two groups (10 females and 10 males) received addition of probiotics preparation in a single dose of 1 g kg

1012 Effects of dietary inclusion of probiotics and prebiotics (SynerAll) on growth performance and serum biochemical parameters in broilers

1012 Effects of dietary inclusion of probiotics and prebiotics (SynerAll) on growth performance and serum biochemical parameters in broilers

Influence of Lactobacillus plantarum supplemented diet on growth response, gut morphometry and microbial profile in gut of Clarias gariepinus fingerlings

Objective: To evaluate the influence of dietary inclusions of Lactobacillus plantarum (L. plantarum) on growth response, gut morphometry and intestinal microbial profile of Clarias gariepinus (C. gariepinus) fingerlings was carried out using a total of 150 C. gariepinus fingerlings (2.35 ± 0.48 g/fish) by selecting at random into five treatments groups of 10 fish in 3 three replicates each. Methods: L. plantarum isolated from corn slurry was cultured using standard measures. Five isonitrogenous diets were prepared at 35% crude protein (T0, T1, T2, T3 and T4) with L. plantarum at inclusion rate of 0.0%, 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5% and 2.0% respectively. The fish were fed at 5% body weight per day for 12 weeks twice daily. Results: T4 recorded the highest mean weight gain and specific growth rate while the lowest was obtained in T1. T4 (1.97) when compared with other treatments had marginally lower feed conversion ratio. Absorptive area was most significantly higher in T3 and T4 group when compared to the control (T0) and other lower dietary probiotic inclusion groups. Cryptal depth was highest in T4 with significant difference which also gave the maximum enterobacteriaceae count while T0 recorded the least count. Conclusions: From these indications, L. plantarum fortified diets may enhance the growth of cultured C. gariepinus fingerlings at 2.0% inclusion rate as it was observed to improve body weight gain, feed conversion ratio with increment in the absorptive area and the microbial count in the gut.

Effects of dietary inclusion of probiotics, prebiotics and synbiotics on intestinal histological changes in challenged broiler chickens

The present study aimed at evaluating the effects of probiotics, prebiotics and their combination on intestinal histological changes in broiler chickens challenged with Clostridium perfringens . Two hundred and forty newly hatched male broilers (Ross 308) were equally distributed into six treatments: negative control group: unsupplemented unchallenged birds; positive control group: unsupplemented challenged birds; neoxyval-fed group: 0.5 g/kg diet (antibiotic) challenged birds; GalliPro-fed group: 0.6 g/kg diet (probiotic), challenged birds; TechnoMos-fed group: 0.75 g/kg diet (prebiotic), challenged birds; and synbiotic-fed group: birds challenged by C. Perfringens (4 x 10 8 CFU /mL). At 35 days old, samples from the ileum and jejunum were collected for histological measurements (height, width and villus surface area), and histopathological changes were assessed. The results showed that the length and surface area of villi in the ileum and jejunum were lower in the positive control, whereas length and surface area of villi in the ileum and jejunum of all feed additive treatments were higher, compared with the positive control and antibiotics. Necrotic enteritis (NE) development was evident in the positive control group. Signs of necrosis of the mucosal membranes, haemorrhage and fibrosis with depletions of gut associated lymph follicle (GALF) in submucosal layer were very clear. Pathological changes improved in all feed additives, except for the antibiotics. These results indicated that alternatives to antibiotics could be used to improve the length and surface area of a villus and the health of the animal by suppressing C. perfringens . Keywords: Broiler chickens, Clostridium perfringens , histomorphometric and histopathology changes

Effects of dietary probiotic inclusion on performance, eggshell quality, cecal microflora composition, and tibia traits of laying hens in the late phase of production

Ninety-six White laying hens (64 weeks old) were used to investigate the effect of dietary inclusion of Bacillus subtilis on performance and eggshell quality. Hens were randomly distributed into three treatment groups and fed basal diet (control), basal diet plus 0.5 g/kg B. subtilis (Probiotic-0.5), or basal diet plus 1 g/kg B. subtilis (Probiotic-1) for 10 weeks. Probiotic-1 group exhibited the maximum (P<0.05) increase in egg production, egg weight, egg mass, eggshell weight, and eggshell thickness, compared with Probiotic-0.5 and the control groups. During the last week of the study, eggshell densities were 94.9, 88.7, and 65.6 mg/cm(2) in Probiotic-1, Probiotic-0.5, and the control group, respectively. The average unmarketable eggs were 1.3 %, 2.2 %, and 6.4 % in Probiotic-1, Probiotic-0.5, and the control group, respectively. Tibia weight, density, and ash content increased significantly. The average time required by B. subtilis to establish a significant effect was 3 weeks for Probiotic-1and 6 weeks for Probiotic-5. B. subtilis improved gut microflora balance, which has the potential to improve gut health and absorption efficiency. It should be possible to improve egg performance and eggshell quality of aged laying hens by dietary inclusion of B. subtilis, which will be of importance for farmers.

Influence of dietary probiotic inclusion on growth performance, blood parameters, and intestinal microflora of male broiler chickens exposed to posthatch holding time

SUMMARY A study was conducted to determine the effects of a dietary probiotic (a commonly used feed additive) and a posthatch holding time (0, 12, 24, and 36 h posthatching) on the growth performance, blood parameters, and intestinal microflora of male broiler chicks. The study used a 2 × 4 factorial arrangement of treatments. Eight experimental groups were formed by 2 levels of dietary probiotic supplementation [control and a dietary probiotic (Protexin), 0.5 kg/ ton] and 4 posthatch holding times (0, 12, 24, and 36 h). There were 4 replications for each treatment group, with each replication consisting of 20 birds. Depending on the time interval between arrival at the experimental site and feeding, holding chicks before free access to water and feed had a negative effect (P 0.05). A significant decrease in d 10 intestinal pH (P < 0.05) was noted in groups with probiotic supplementation (6.59 vs. 6.42). The number of lactobacilli in control chicks was significantly higher (7.96 vs. 7.13 and 7.28) than that in groups with a posthatch holding time before feeding on d 10 (P < 0.01). In brief, exposure to delayed feed access impaired early growth performance and microbiological measures in the gastrointestinal tract of fast-growing broiler chicks, and supplementing broiler chicks with a dietary probiotic was not an effective tool for ameliorating these negative effects.