3 research outputs found
A novel Bacillus based multi-strain probiotic improves growth performance and intestinal properties of Clostridium perfringens challenged broilers
There is a necessity for the implementation
of in-feed probiotics in the poultry production
industry, following strict regulations around the use
of antibiotic growth promoters (AGP). Bacillus spp.
are becoming an attractive alternative because of their
functionality and stability. This study aims to evaluate
the effect of a novel multi-strain Bacillus based probiotic
on growth performance and gut health in male
Ross 308 broiler chickens challenged with Clostridium
perfringens Type A. Broilers on a 4 phase feeding
program were fed diets containing either a standard
metabolizable energy (ME) (100%) or a reduced ME
(98%) level. The test probiotic was compared to an
un-supplemented negative control and a commercial
benchmark product as positive control over a 35 D
feeding trial, using a 2 Ă— 3 factorial experimental design.
Chicks were inoculated with a once-off dose of
C. perfringens on day 14. Growth performance was
measured weekly to calculate body weight (BW), feed
intake (FI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR). Villi histomorphology,
gut lesions, and liver weight were assessed
at day 35. Broilers fed the reduced ME diet with the test
probiotic achieved higher final BWs (P = 0.037) and
FCR (P = 0.014) than the negative control. Broilers
fed the standard ME diet with the test probiotic
showed improved (P = 0.001) FCR than the negative
control from day 21 onwards. Increased duodenal
villi height (P = 0.012) and villi height to
crypt depth ratio in the duodenum (P < 0.0001)
and jejunum (P = 0.0004) were observed in broilers
fed the reduced ME diet containing the test probiotic.
Additionally, the test probiotic resulted in significantly
reduced relative liver weights in both ME
groups. Consequently, the results suggest that the
novel multi-strain Bacillus based probiotic enhanced
broiler performance and improved gut health and is
thus attractive as an alternative to AGP’s in broiler
production.The Department
of Science and Technology, the CSIR (Pretoria, South Africa) and Ceva Animal Health (Pty)
Ltd (Johannesburg, South Africa).http://ps.oxfordjournals.orgam2020Animal and Wildlife SciencesBiochemistryGeneticsMicrobiology and Plant Patholog
South Africa's indigenous microbial diversity for industrial applications: A review of the current status and opportunities
The unique metagenomic, metaviromic libraries and indigenous micro diversity within Southern Africa have the potential for global beneficiation in academia and industry. Microorganisms that flourish at high temperatures, adverse pH conditions, and high salinity are likely to have enzyme systems that function efficiently under those conditions. These attributes afford researchers and industries alternative approaches that could replace existing chemical processes. Thus, a better understanding of African microbial/genetic diversity is crucial for the development of “greener” industries. A concerted drive to exploit the potential locked in biological resources has been previously seen with companies such as Diversa Incorporated and Verenium (Badische Anilin-und SodaFabrik-BASF) both building business models that pioneered the production of high-performance specialty enzymes for a variety of different industrial applications. The market potential and accompanying industry offerings have not been fully exploited in South Africa, nor in Africa at large. Utilization of the continent's indigenous microbial repositories could create long-lasting, sustainable growth in various production sectors, providing economic growth in resource-poor regions. By bolstering local manufacture of high-value bio-based products, scientific and engineering discoveries have the potential to generate new industries which in turn would provide employment avenues for many skilled and unskilled laborers. The positive implications of this could play a role in altering the face of business markets on the continent from costly import-driven markets to income-generating export markets. This review focuses on identifying microbially diverse areas located in South Africa while providing a profile for all associated microbial/genetically derived libraries in this country. A comprehensive list of all the relevant researchers and potential key players is presented, mapping out existing research networks for the facilitation of collaboration. The overall aim of this review is to facilitate a coordinated journey of exploration, one which will hopefully realize the value that South Africa's microbial diversity has to offer
Production and stability of a multi-strain Bacillus based probiotic product for commercial use in poultry
Please read abstract in the article.The Department of Science and Technology (South Africa) and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).http://www.elsevier.com/locate/btrehj2022Animal and Wildlife SciencesBiochemistryGeneticsMicrobiology and Plant Patholog