EFFECTS OF “PEDIOCOCCUS ACIDILACTIC” ON ZOOTECHNICAL PERFORMANCE AND E.COLI INFECTION IN BROILER CHICKENS

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University.

Abstract

The effects of Pediococcus acidilactici (P. acidi- lactici) on zootechnical performance and E.coli infection in broiler chickens were determined. The product significantly improved the zootechnical performance response variables including; body weight, weight gain, relative growth rate, European production efficiency factor (EPEF). Total feed consumption, performance index, and final feed conversion rate as compared to the un- treated controls. These results could be explained in the view that probiotics are natural control method that is based on ensuring the bird has an adequate gut microflora to counter pathogenic bacteria colonization in its digestive tract and consequently has healthy gut that results in good digestion and nutrient absorption. Results of subcutaneous infection with pathogenic E.coli serogroup O 142 resulted in significant reduction in both the rate of mortality and lesion score in P. acidilactici treated group (64 % and 1.83) over their untreated control group (72 % and 2.39) respectively.

Main Subjects