Dietary Lactobacillus acidophilus positively influences growth performance, gut morphology, and gut microbiology in rurally reared chickens

• DOI: 10.3382/ps/pex396
• Publication Date: 2017-12-27T12:14:37Z
• Authors: C Forte; E Manuali; Y Abbate; P Papa; L Vieceli; M Tentellini; M Trabalza-Marinucci; L Moscati
• Keywords: Basal (medicine); Histology

In a market undergoing constant evolution, the production of chicken meat that consumers would perceive as "natural" and "animal friendly" is crucial. The use probiotics in rurally reared chickens could represent major opportunity to achieve mutual benefit for both industry consumers. A total 264 male Kabir chicks were randomly distributed one 2 dietary treatments: L group received commercial feed supplemented with 2.0 g/100 kg Lactobacillus acidophilus D2/CSL, while C same basal diet without additive. To assess effects probiotic supplementation chickens' diet, productive performance was evaluated at d 21 42, whereas microbiological analyses intestinal content histology morphometry performed end trial (d 42). At birds showed better (P < 0.001) terms body weight, average daily gain, conversion ratio. Enterococci, staphylococci, Escherichia coli populations not influenced by treatment. On contrary, population increased = 0.032) group. Furthermore, tendency 0.069) observed coliforms be lower values comparison Histological techniques revealed number goblet cell containing neutral mucins Morphometric evaluations demonstrated height mucosal layer improving 0.040) villus height, crypt depth unaffected. conclusion, results obtained this study demonstrate it possible D2/CSL (CECT 4529) breeds positive on gut health.