Intestinal Microflora Of Broiler Chickens Research Articles

Analysis of the effects of β-mannanase on immune function and intestinal flora in broilers fed the low energy diet based on 16S rRNA sequencing and metagenomic sequencing

As an enzyme, β-mannanase (BM) can be widely used as feed additive to improve the growth performance of animals. This experiment aimed to determine the effect of the addition of BM to low-energy diet on the immune function and intestinal microflora of broiler chickens. In this study, 384 one-day-old Arbor Acres broilers were randomly divided into 3 groups (8 replicates per group): positive control (PC, received a corn-soybean meal basal diet), negative control (NC, received a low-energy diet with Metabolizable Energy (ME) reduced by 50 kcal/kg) and NC + BM group (NC birds + 100 mg/kg BM). All birds were raised for 42 d. The results showed that BM mitigated the damage of immune function in peripheral blood of broilers caused by the decrease of dietary energy level by increasing the Concanavalin A (Con A) index of stimulation (SI) and macrophages phagocytic activity in the peripheral blood of broilers at 42 d (P < 0.05). The analysis of cecum flora showed that the low-energy diet significantly reduced the observed_species index (P < 0.01), Chao1 index and ACE index (P < 0.05), which reduced the abundance and evenness of species in the cecum of broilers at 21 d. It also significantly reduced the relative abundance of Candidatus_Arthromitus and significantly increased the relative abundance of Pseudomonas in the cecum of broilers at 21 d, while also significantly increasing the relative abundance of Monoglobus at 42 d. BM significantly increased the relative abundance of Lachnospiraceae_UCG-001 and Lachnospiraceae_bacterium_615 in the cecum of broilers at 21 d. In addition, BM inhibited microbial Fatty acid degradation by decreasing the activity of glutaryl-CoA dehydrogenase. Collectively, BM could improve intestinal health by enhancing the immune function of broilers, promoting the proliferation of beneficial bacteria and reducing the number of harmful bacteria, regulating intestinal flora, thereby alleviating the adverse effects of lower dietary energy levels.

Effect of fermented tomato pomace on the growth performance, antioxidant capacity, and intestinal microflora in broiler chickens.

Solid-state fermentation is a useful method for the utilization of the agri-industrial residues. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of tomato pomace (TP) and Aspergillus niger-fermented tomato pomace (FTP) on the growth performance, some carcass traits, antioxidant status, and intestinal microflora in broiler chickens. A total of 140 Ross 308 one-day-old male chicks were allocated to one of four treatment groups consisting of five replicates of seven chicks each. Chicks were fed ad libitum with the corn-soybean based basal diet (control), the basal diet supplemented with 0.25 g/kg synthetic antioxidant, 10g/kg TP or 10g/kg FTP for 42 days. Dietary TP increased serum glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) but did not affect the growth performance. Dietary inclusion of FTP improved the feed conversion ratio and raised serum GPx and SOD. Carcass traits, malondialdehyde level, pH, and color of breast meat and cecal microflora were not affected by dietary treatments. The results of the study showed that TP can be used as a natural antioxidant in broiler diets without a detrimental effect on growth performance. Dietary FTP can be suggested as an alternative to synthetic antioxidants with beneficial effects on growth performance and antioxidant capacity.

Effect of Dietary Salicin Standardized Extract from Salix alba Bark on Oxidative Stress Biomarkers and Intestinal Microflora of Broiler Chickens Exposed to Heat Stress

The implication of heat stress (HS) in the oxidative stress phenomenon and its related diseases in chickens has been widely reported. Salicin is a precursor for the synthesis of salicylic acid and aspirin obtained from the bark of Salix alba, with an undeniable anti-inflammatory effect. However, little attention has been paid to salicin’s antioxidant/oxidative stress-reducing effect compared to its well-known anti-inflammatory effect. The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of dietary salicin standardized extract from Salix alba bark (SAB) on oxidative stress biomarkers and intestinal microflora of broiler chickens exposed to heat stress. In our study, chickens (14 days) were randomly allocated to three treatment groups (SAB0; SAB25; SAB50), each of which included five replicates with eight birds per replicate. Broilers were exposed to heat stress (32 ± 2 °C) between 14 and 42 days. The liver tissues were collected to analyze oxidative stress biomarkers (total antioxidant capacity, glutathione, catalase, superoxide dismutase). The intestinal content was collected and measurements of the intestinal microbial population were performed (E. coli, staphylococci, lactobacilli). Results indicated that liver malondialdehyde and protein carbonyls activity decreased (p &lt; 0.05) in SAB50 treatment concomitantly with linearly increased total antioxidant capacity, and glutathione concentration. Dietary supplementation with SAB reduced (p &lt; 0.05) the abundance of staphylococci and increased the number of lactobacilli. Taken together, SAB possesses an advantageous effect on liver oxidative status and the balance of intestinal microflora in broilers exposed to heat stress. These findings provide new insight into the potential use of salicin standardized extract from Salix alba bark for liver damage prevention and dysbiosis related to heat stress.

Микрофлора кишечника цыплят-бройлеров при применении кормовой добавки «Афлуксид»

The article presents the results of comparative study of intestinal microflora of broiler chickens of cross «Ross 308» when using a feed additive «Afluxid». It is established that the total amount of conditionally pathogenic and undesirable microflora (Staphylococcus aureus, Proteus vulgaris) in birds of experimental groups, which received the supplement with feed was not detected, and the amount of beneficial microflora increased by 53 % in comparison with control which indicates the normalization of intestinal microflora.

The effects of peppermint (Mentha piperita L.) and chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) in comparison with a prebiotic on productive performance, blood constituents, immunity and intestinal microflora in broiler chickens

A total of 320 one-day-old broiler chickens were used in a 42-day feeding trial to evaluate the effects of peppermint (Mentha piperita L.) and chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) in comparison with a prebiotic on-growth performance, blood constitutes, immunity and intestinal microflora. The dietary treatments were as follows: basal diet (control); control + prebiotic (Fermacto™); control + 0.1% peppermint; control + 0.1% chicory, respectively. A significant (p < 0.05) body weight gain and feed intake was found at 21 and 42 days of growth period in broilers fed diet supplemented with 0.1% chicory compared with other groups. Feeding of prebiotic or chicory led to higher (p < 0.05) feed intake. Chickens fed control diet had higher (p < 0.05) abdominal fat compared with the other groups. Serum blood constituents indicated that broilers fed prebiotic or supplemented with peppermint or chicory had reduced (p < 0.05) levels of cholesterol, triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein than control group. Immunity-related parameters showed that chicken fed chicory had lower (p < 0.05) heterophil-to-lymphocyte ratio compared with the other groups. Intestinal microflora revealed that chickens fed prebiotic or herbals had higher count of Lactobacillus and lower E. coli than control. Thus, it can be concluded that broiler dietary supplementation with prebiotic or chicory can improve performance supporting positively health status.

THE INFLUENCE OF PROBIOTICSON THE COMPOSITION OF INTESTINAL MICROFLORA OF BROILER CHICKEN

Modern methods of industrial poultry farming involve intensive technologies that do not always correspond to the physiological characteristics of the bird's body. Increasing the preservation of chickens and ensuring high intensity of their growth at all stages of rearing is one of the most urgent problems of modern poultry farming. The low resistance of chickens at an early age is due to their biological characteristics, high concentration of livestock, the negative impact of technological factors and insufficiently balanced feeding, which leads to stress and affects the level of productivity of poultry and, accordingly, increases the percentage of mortality. A study of the effectiveness of the probiotic drug "Biomagn" was conducted in order to normalize the intestinal microflora of broiler chickens and strengthen immune and antioxidant functions. Microbial preparations from associations of nonpathogenic bacteria have a positive effect on the productivity and natural resistance of the body. It was established that the introduction of the probiotic drug "Biomagn" into the diet of broiler chickens in the form of a supplement to the main feed leads to inhibition of the growth of obligate and facultative microflora, compared to the indicators in the birds of the control group (Р≤0.05). The results of microbiological studies of samples of the contents of the small intestine, rectum, and caecum of broiler chickens of the control and experimental groups showed that the use of a prebiotic preparation helps to inhibit the development of conditionally pathogenic microorganisms Campilobacter spp., Salmonella liquid groups, the number of enterobacteria and an increase in the number of Lactobacillus bacteria and Bifidobacterium Thanks to this, they are able to create a bacterial balance during the colonization of the digestive tract and prevent the development of harmful microflora there.

The Effects of Feed Withdrawal, Transport and Lairage on Intestinal Microflora in Broiler Chickens

The Effects of Feed Withdrawal, Transport and Lairage on Intestinal Microflora in Broiler Chickens

Evaluation of the effect of the probiotic "Bactosel" on the intestinal microflora of broiler chickens

Evaluation of the effect of the probiotic "Bactosel" on the intestinal microflora of broiler chickens

Effect of dietary orange and grapefruit peel on growth performance, health status, meat quality and intestinal microflora of broiler chickens

In our experiment we studied the effect of dietary orange peel (OP) and grapefruit peel (GP) on broilers health and thigh meat quality. The experiment was conducted on 126 Cobb 500 broiler chicks, assigned to three dietary treatments with 42 broilers per group. Each treatment was conducted in 3 experimental growth boxes, corresponding to 6 replicate pens per treatment and 7 broilers per pen. The growth boxes had identical size with a capacity of 3.5 m2 per box. Experimental dietary treatments differed from control diet (C) by addition of 2% OP or 2% GP supplement. A significant increase in body weight was exhibited in OP group compared to GP group (p < .05). Serum energetic profile (glucose, cholesterol and triglyceride) were lowered in both OP and GP supplemented groups compared to C birds (p < .05). Among fatty acids in thigh meat, OP group has increased the sum of PUFA compared to GP group. Dietary OP and GP have effectively reduced the oxidation process occurring during storage measured by the thiobarbituric acid–reactive substances (TBARS) values in thigh meat. Therefore, lipid oxidation was delayed by incorporating the two citrus peels in broiler diet. Monitoring the antimicrobial effect of OP and GP on intestinal and caecal microbiota population, the supplements reduced the growth of pathogenic Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus spp., proving their antimicrobial effect, while the beneficial bacteria, Lactobacillus spp. was significantly improved. Highlights The use of vegetable residues in the animal diets is an important economic and environmental factor. The positive effects were observed on thigh meat lipid oxidation, serum energetic profile and intestinal microflora of broiler chickens. Citrus peel in broilers feeding can act as natural antioxidant and feed additive.

Study of the effect of Bee Propolis on some biochemical, immunological traits and intestinal microflora of broiler chickens (Ross 308)

This study was conducted to know the effect of adding Bee Propolis to a diet in some biochemical, immunological traits and intestinal microflora of broiler chickens, where 225 unsexed broiler chicks were used, The chicks were randomly divided into five treatments, each treatment was 45 birds, and each treatment was divided into three replicates, each replicate of 15 birds, the Bee Propolis material was added with the diet and at levels (0, 2, 2.5, 3& 3.5 g Bee Propolis/kg feed) and for treatments T1, T2, T3, T4, T5 respectively. The chicks were raised for 35 days, and during the study period, we reached the following results: a significant difference (P<0.05) for the treatment T1 in glucose, uric acid, AST (Aspartate amino transferase) and height significant (P<0.01) in cholesterol concentration compared to the rest of the studied treatments, and a significant excelled (P<0.05) for the T2 treatment in the ALT (Alanine amino transferase) concentration compared with the rest of the treatments studied, The results also indicated that there was significant (P<0.05) increased for T3 and T5 in the protein level, a significant increased (P<0.05) for the T3 in IgG (immunoglobulin Gama) and IgM (immunoglobulin Mua) and T5 in IgA (immunoglobulin Alpha), a significant superior (P<0.05) for T1 and T2 in E.coli bacteria in jejunum and superior T5 in lactobacilli in jejunum and ileum meanwhile height significant (P<0.01) for T1 and T2 in E.coli bacteria in ileum this is at 14 days for age, while in 35 days for age significant superior for T1 and T2 in E.coli, T4 and T5 in lactobacilli in jejunum and ileum.

Influence of biocidal preparations on the intestinal microflora of broiler chickens

One of the most important factors affecting poultry productivity is the quality of drinking water. Modern preparations of foreign production that allow to remove biofilm from the water supply system along with all organic and inorganic pollutants are expensive, as well as, as a rule, negatively affect the body of poultry when drinking. The article considers the effect of water solutions of neutral anolyte “ANOLIT ANK SUPER”, as well as a solution of the preparation “DUTRION” on the intestinal microflora of poultry. As a result of the experiment, it was found that the use of 0.25% and 10% solutions of neutral anolyte, as well as the solution of the preparation “DUTRION” has a multidirectional effect on the level of bifidobacteria and lactobacilli in the intestine, but at the same time reduce the level of pathogenic and conditionally pathogenic microflora.

Use of Bacillus subtilis PB6 enriched with choline to improve growth performance, immune status, histological parameters and intestinal microbiota of broiler chickens

Context Probiotics used in poultry nutrition may promote the propagation of beneficial bacteria and limit the growth of pathogens, improving the body’s resistance to disease. Aims The aim of the study was to establish the dose and timing of administration of a probiotic preparation containing live cultures of Bacillus subtilis PB6 and choline that would have the most beneficial effect on histological parameters and microbiological status of the intestine, immune status, and growth performance of broiler chickens. Methods In total, 980 one-day-old Ross 308 male chickens, divided into seven groups of 140 (each group with seven replications of 20 individuals), were used in the experiment. The birds were reared until Day 42 of life. In the control group, birds received water without addition of the probiotic preparation. In three continuous treatments, birds received the probiotic preparation in their water at doses of 0.05, 0.1 or 0.25 g/L from Day 1 to Day 42 of rearing. In three periodic treatments, birds received the same doses of the probiotic preparation, but only during Days 1–7, 15–21 and 29–35 of rearing. Key results Addition of the probiotic preparation to the drinking water of broiler chickens increased the total number of aerobic bacteria as well as the length of the intestinal villi and the depth of the crypts. It also reduced the number of fungi and coliform bacteria. In addition, increases were noted in the lysozyme content, the phagocytic index, and the level of immunoglobulin A. Conclusions The probiotic preparation containing B. subtilis and choline administered continuously at a dose of 0.25 g/L in water throughout the rearing period had the most beneficial effect on the composition of the microbiome, and improved the mucous membrane structure of the intestine (increasing villus length and intestinal crypt depth), immunity, and growth performance of the broiler chickens. Implications The use of probiotics in poultry nutrition improves the health of animals and makes breeding more profitable. Administration of this probiotic improves disease resistance, jejunal histological parameters, and intestinal microflora of broiler chickens.

Ответ кишечной микрофлоры цыплят-бройлеров на введение пищевых волокон в рационы с разным уровнем кальция

Ответ кишечной микрофлоры цыплят-бройлеров на введение пищевых волокон в рационы с разным уровнем кальция

Fermented wheat bran by xylanase-producing Bacillus cereus boosts the intestinal microflora of broiler chickens

Wheat bran, while a nutritious and economic feed ingredient, contents high levels of non-starch polysaccharides which entraps nutrients and interferes digestion and absorption. To study the influence of fermented wheat bran by xylanase-producing Bacillus cereus on growth performance and intestinal microflora of broiler chickens, a total of 180 broilers (21-day-old, mixed of male and female) were randomly divided into 3 treatments, with 6 replicates in each treatment and 10 broilers in each replicate: 1) control check (CK), corn-soybean meal-based diet; 2) wheat bran group (WB), 5% of the corn were replaced with wheat bran; and 3) fermented wheat bran group (FWB), 5% of the corn were replaced with fermented wheat bran. Growth performance was determined in the period of 21- to 42-day-old. Intestinal digestive enzyme activities and microbiota diversity were analyzed on day 42. No differences were observed on growth performance among treatments (P > 0.05). The activity of amylase in the duodenum of FWB was 1.56 times higher than CK (P < 0.05). The Chao1 index of microbiota in cecum of FWB increased 24.26% compared with CK (P < 0.01). The amount of Bifidobacteriaceae in cecum of WB was 29.1 times and 15.8 times higher than CK and FWB (P < 0.05) respectively. Principal co-ordinates analysis in cecum revealed the dissimilarity microbiota among treatments. In summary, the use of fermented wheat bran to partially replace corn (5%) in diets had no adverse effect on growth performance and triggered beneficial effects such as increasing duodenal amylase activity and intestinal microflora abundance in broiler chickens. These observations support that solid-state fermentation by xylanase-producing Bacillus cereus is feasible approach to pre-treat wheat bran for feedstuff industry.

Growth performance blood profile and gut microflora of broiler chickens on different dosages of Baobab tree Adansonia digitata L bark extract

This study comprised two experiments; experiment I determined non-toxic doses of Baobab tree ( Adansonia digitata L.) bark extract (BTBE) using white mice, while experiment II investigated the effects of Baobab tree bark extract on growth performance, carcass characteristics, blood profile, gut morphology and intestinal micro-flora of broiler chickens. Forty mice 6 - 8 weeks old, were used in experiment I and grouped to receive intra-peritoneal and oral administration, for 72 hours, of eight different BTBE preparations to determine lethal-dose, effective-dose and low-dose levels for use on broiler chickens in experiment II. Experiment II involved the use of 200 day-old Cobb 500 broiler chicks orally administered BTBE which lasted for 5 weeks. It consisted of five treatment groups (0 (control), 300, 325, 350 and 375 ppm) with 40 birds per treatment and four replicates of 10 birds each in 5 treatment groups in a completely randomized design. Haemoglobin, mean corpuscular haemoglobin, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration, eosinophil, alkaline phosphatase and aspartate aminotransferase activity were significantly (p < 0.05) reduced in mice orally administered BTBE. Also, mean corpuscular volume, alkaline phosphatase and aspartate aminotransferase activity were significantly (p < 0.05) reduced in mice intra-peritoneally administered BTBE. Significantly (p < 0.05) higher feed intake (122.71 g/day) was recorded in broiler chickens on 350 ppm and, at that dosage, total protein, blood glucose and globulin of the birds were reduced (p < 0.05). The study concluded that BTBE can be used as alternative to conventional antibiotics. Therefore, BTBE of 300 ppm was recommended for improved health status and significant growth performance of broiler chickens.

Effect of dietary supplementation with medium chain fatty acids on growth performance, intestinal histomorphology, lipid profile and intestinal microflora of broiler chickens

The aim of the present study was to assess the effects of medium-chain fatty acid (MCFA) diet supplementation on growth performance, intestinal histomorphology, serum biochemistry and intestinal microflora of broiler chickens. The study was performed on 180 one-day-old broilers of the same origin (Cobb 500 hybrid), over a 42-day period. They were fed diets supplemented with three treatments: control group (basal diet without supplementation); group with MCFA supplementation; and group with MCFA and coccidiostat supplementation. Broiler chickens fed diets supplemented with MCFAs had a significantly greater final bodyweight. The weights of carcass cuts (breast, drumsticks with thighs and wings) were greater in broilers receiving MCFAs than in control broilers. The addition of MCFAs to broiler diet significantly increased villus length and crypt depth in the duodenum and caecum, and significantly decreased villus width in the duodenum and ileum. Additionally, serum HDL-cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations were increased significantly in broilers with MCFA dietary supplementation. The results indicated that the MCFA diet supplementation had a beneficial effect on the performance of broiler chickens, their intestinal histomorphology and microflora.Keywords: Carcass characteristics, coccidiostat supplementation, nutrition, poultry, serum biochemistry

Effect of Dietary Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) and Multi-Strain Probiotic on Growth and Carcass Traits, Blood Biochemistry, Immune Responses and Intestinal Microflora in Broiler Chickens.

Simple SummaryIn the last decade, there has been growing interest in the use of natural herbs and probiotics as alternatives to antibiotics in feeds to improve animal productivity and to maximize their potential output. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the effect of different levels of ginger powder and a commercial multi-strain probiotic in the diet on broiler performance, immune response, microbiota, haematology and carcass characteristics. Based on findings, dietary supplementation with both ginger or probiotics showed significant influence on birds’ immune response, probably because ginger had strong antioxidant activity and the probiotics stimulated the production of natural antibodies.A total of 225 day-old male broiler chicks (Ross-308) were randomly allocated to five treatment groups, with three replicates in a completely randomized design for 42 days. Birds were fed a basal-diet supplemented with: no additive (control-diet), multi-strain probiotic (Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei, Enterococcus faecium and Bifidobacterium thermophilum), or 0.15, 0.20 and 0.25% ginger (Z. officinale) powder, respectively. The results show no significant differences among treatments for growth traits and carcass characteristics, whereas using probiotics and ginger at all levels resulted in a significant decrease of gizzard weight and abdominal fat compared to the control group. Dietary treatments did not affect blood biochemistry and antibody production against sheep red blood cells (SRBC), IgG and IgM; however, antibody titre was higher in birds fed 0.25% ginger than other diets after 7 days post injection. The Lactobacillus counts in ileal content of birds fed 0.20 and 0.25% ginger were higher compared to the other treatments. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with either ginger or probiotics showed a significant influence on birds’ immune response, probably because ginger had strong antioxidant activity and the probiotics stimulated the production of natural antibodies.

Effects of duration of early feed withdrawal and re-feeding on growth, carcass traits, plasma constituents and intestinal microflora of broiler chickens

ABSTRACTThe effect of different feed withdrawal durations and re-feeding on broiler performance was investigated. A total of 225 broiler chicks (Ross 308) were assigned to 5 groups; control (full feeding) and feed withdrawal for 6, 8, 10 and 12 h daily. Feed intake and weight gain were reduced (P < .05) in the feed withdrawal groups during the starter phase, but were not affected during later growth. Feed conversion ratio was not affected by the treatment. The relative weight of carcass was reduced (P < .05) in 6 and 12 h feed withdrawal groups. Breast weight was lowest on the control group and highest on the 8 h withdrawal (P < .05) group. The weight of the thigh was reduced (P < .05) on the control group. Plasma protein was higher on the control group and 6 h group compared to 10 h feed withdrawal group (P < .05). Plasma albumin was reduced on 12 and uric acid on the control and 6 withdrawal groups. There were no treatment effects on plasma cholesterol, HDL and LDL values. E. coli count was not affected by treatment, but Lactobacilli count was higher (P < .05) on the 12 h feed withdrawal group. Young broilers subjected to feed withdrawal for 8–10 h daily can compensate for performance losses in the early stage of growth and maximize the relative weights of carcass, breast muscle and thigh, but withdrawal lengths of 6 and 12 h might be too short and too long, respectively, to improve performance losses after resumption of full feeding.

Preventing subclinical necrotic enteritis through Lactobacillus johnsonii BS15 by ameliorating lipid metabolism and intestinal microflora in broiler chickens

Increasing studies have focused on the beneficial effects of Lactobacillus johnsonii in certain diseases. Here, we studied the prevention ability of a probiotic strain, L. johnsonii BS15 on subclinical necrotic enteritis (SNE), and its underlying mechanism. 180 male Cobb 500 chicks were randomly allotted into three groups and administrated with BS15 (1 × 106 cfu/g) or Man Rogosa Sharpe liquid medium throughout a 28-day experimental period. With the exception of the normal group, SNE infection was treated for the remaining experimental period after the chicks were fed with normal diet 14 days. Results showed that BS15 notably suppressed the SNE-induced loss of average daily gain and liver functional abnormality. Additionally, BS15 facilitated lipid metabolism of SNE boilers when the contents of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor γ and adipose triglyceride lipase in adipose tissue and serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol decreased. BS15 also attenuated the hepatic lipid accumulation of stricken chicks by suppressing the genes expression of acetyl-CoA carboxylase, fatty acid synthase and sterol regulatory element binding protein-1c as well as stimulating the genes expression of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor α and carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1. Moreover, BS15 enhanced the development of SNE gut by improving the intestinal development and digestion as well as adjusting the gut microflora. Therefore, BS15 may provide a promising natural preventative strategy against SNE, which may be contributed to the amelioration of lipid metabolism and intestinal microflora.

Effect of Dietary Supplementation of Butyric Acid on Growth Performance and Intestinal Microbial Load in Broiler Chickens

An experiment was conducted to study the effect of using butyric acid (BA) in place of antibiotic growth promoter (AGP) on performance and intestinal microflora in broiler chickens. Two hundred (200) day-old broiler chicks were housed and distributed randomly into four groups containing five replicates of 10 chicks in each replicate (4 treatments×5 replicates). The experiment had a randomized design. Four experimental diets T1, T2, T3 and T4 were formulated to contain no additive, Bacitracin Methylene Disalicylate (BMD) at 20 mg/kg diet and BA at 0.3 and 0.4%, respectively. Body weight gain (g) increased (P 0.05). Significant reduction was observed in coliforms and Lactobacillus counts in cecal contents (28 and 42 d) and excreta (42 d), whereas, total plate counts (TPC) at 42 d were significantly reduced in BA supplemented groups as compared to other groups. From the results, it can be concluded that, BA could be a good alternative to AGP for growth performance and improving gut microbial status in broiler chickens.