Effect of Locally Isolated Lactobacilli Probiotic Bacteria on Broiler Performance

The present study was conducted to determine the effect of three locally isolated Lactobacilli species on the performance of broiler chicken. A total of 240 broiler chicks (day-old) were divided into 8 groups of 30 chicks each with 5 replicates. Six groups were administered isolated Lactobacilli in three dose rates and by two routes. In addition, one group was administered commercial probiotics and another one group was maintained as control. Evaluation was done for the determination of effect on different performance parameters under experimental conditions. The chicks of experimental group, which was given Lactobacilli at dose rate 1x10⁸ CFU/ kg body weight through drinking water, showed significantly (P<0.05) higher body weight, less feed consumption and decreased feed conversion ratio. Significantly, higher counts of Lactobacilli and lower count of E. coli were recorded in the intestinal contents of this group than other treated and control group. The study showed that these locally isolated Lactobacillus species had better effect as probiotics on the performance of broiler chicks.

Key Words: Probiotics, Lactic acid bacteria, Live weight, FCR, Viable faecal bacteria