Abstract
Probiotics for chickens are designed either to replace beneficial organisms that are not present in the alimentary tract or to provide the chicken with the effects of beneficial bacteria. Salmonella typhi colonizes the intestinal tract of poultry and causes food-borne illness in humans. Reduction of S. typhi colonization in the intestinal tract of poultry reduces potential carcass contamination during slaughter. The purpose of this study was to isolate, identify and determine the effect of avian-specific Lactobacillus acidophilus as probiotic, on the colonization, weight gain and disease resistance in chicken. Two groups, each containing five chicks, were designated as “probiotic” and “control” group. At placement, probiotic group chicks were orally administered with L. acidophilus for 2 weeks. As a result, an increased weight gain of this group was observed comparable to the control group. Competitive exclusion of intestinal microflora and resistance to Samonella typhi in L. acidophilus fed probiotic group was also observed. Antibiotic resistance pattern of the crop isolated probiotic and other Lactobacillus strain was determined. Production of antimicrobial substance by L. acidophilus was tested against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Antibacterial activity was found against S. aureus and M. luteus. These findings indicate that probiosis can be applied as an alternative to antibiotic use and, for improving the production efficiency in the poultry industry.
