Effect of different concentrations of Bacillus subtilis on growth performance, carcase quality, gut microflora and immune response of broiler chickens

Abstract

1. An experiment was conducted to study the effects of different Bacillus subtilis concentrations on productivity, carcase quality, immune response and the gut microflora of broiler chickens.

2. There were 5 treatment groups: control, with no added Bacillus subtilis supplementation; and 4 treatment groups receiving feed supplemented with different concentrations of B. subtilis.

3. Weight gain was significantly higher and the feed conversion rate was significantly better in all groups receiving feed supplemented with B. subtilis, regardless of its concentration. The groups given B. subtilis supplementation produced relatively bigger breasts, and smaller carcases and thighs, compared with the control group.

4. The appearance of increased diffuse lymphohistiocytic infiltration and solitary lymphoid follicles in the mucosa, and a stronger response to NDV vaccination, indicate increased immunological responses in chickens fed with the B. subtilis supplemented diet.

5. The higher inclusion rate of B. subtilis did not increase Lactobacillus concentrations in the ileum or in the caecum, but decreased the E. coli population significantly.

Acknowledgements

We would like to acknowledge the financial support of Chr. Hansen A/S, Denmark. The authors express their sincere thanks to Merete Moerk Jensen, Chr. Hansen; to Károly Kustos, Lab-Nyúl Kft.; to Lídia Lennert and Zsolt Farkas, Research Institute of Animal Breeding and Nutrition, for the performance of this trial; and to Dr Chris Morrow, Bioproperties for his contributions and suggestions.