Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Probiotic-Containing Preparations on Various Carriers on the Productive Qualities of Poultry

Abstract

The establishment of a healthy intestinal microbiota plays a key role as a first line of protection against pathogenic bacteria and enhances the integrity of the gut structure, which generally contributes to increased specific metabolic activity. At the same time, the question of the method of administration and choice of the carrier of probiotic-containing preparations remains without a final answer. The purpose of the research is to determine the best administration route and the type of carrier of probiotic-containing preparations. To conduct the first series of the experiment, 40 two-week-old broiler chickens of the Arbor Icress cross were selected, which were divided into four groups according to the principle of pair-analogs: one control and three experimental ones. The birds of the first group received a feed supplement with a combined probiotic on a natural plant carrier—wheat bran; the second group—on wheat flour; the third group was additionally given, along with water, a combined probiotic, freeze-dried on maltodextrin. A similar experiment was carried out for 40 laying hens of the Hisex Brown cross at the age of 150 days. The use of probiotics had a positive effect on both the weight growth of broiler chickens and the productive performance of laying hens, regardless of the method of administration of probiotic-containing preparations. However, the water-soluble form of the probiotic-containing preparation most effectively increased the productive qualities of birds. The average daily gain of broilers receiving the water-soluble form of the probiotic statistically significantly exceeded the value of this indicator in the control by 13%. The use of a water-soluble probiotic in feeding laying hens made it possible to increase egg productivity by 6%, the intensity of egg production by 5.0%, and the total weight of eggs by 0.2 kg.