Effect of probiotic supplementation on the performance and the composition of the intestinal microflora in broilers

Abstract

This paper investigates the influence of probiotic VEBAC on the intestinal microflora composition and the growth (the weight gain, feed conversion rate) of broiler chickens. Eighty Avian 24K male chickens were divided into 2 groups, 40 birds in each. The aim of this research was to determine the probiotic influence on the weight gain, feed conversion ratio and intestinal microflora content of the chickens. First group was a control group (without VEBAC in drinking water), while the second one was experimental (with addition of VEBAC - 3 g/100 l water). After six weeks of fattening, average live weight in the control group was 1956.10±15.03 g and in the experimental group 2168.25±54.24 g (P<0.01). Feed conversion was 2.16±0.26 and 2.02±0.28 kg/kg respectively. The results of bacteriological analyses of intestinal microflora point out the conclusion that lactic bacteria Enterococcus faecium M-74, which were consumed by broilers from the experimental groups through drinking water, resulted in reduction of bacteria from family Enterobacteriaceae and bacteria Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis.