Enhanced Neomycin Antibiotic Properties Through Proteolytic Enzyme in Escherichia coli Induced Infection in Broiler Chicks

The study aimed to explore the beneficial aspect of serratiopeptidase (proteolytic enzyme) combined with low profile antibiotic (Neomycin) in chickens against the E. coli infection at the finisher stage. Both in-vitro and in-vivo studies were carried out to evaluate the antimicrobial activities and potency of this combination. A total of one hundred and eighty day-old chicks were randomly allotted to 6 groups i.e. G1 (negative control), G2 (positive control), G3 (standard antibiotic neomycin only), SN-1 (Serratiopeptidase @40g/L+Neomycin@10mg/L), SN-2 (Serratiopeptidase @50mg/L+ Neomycin @20mg/L), and SN-3 (Serratiopeptidase @ 60mg/L+ Neomycin @30mg/L). Each group consisted of thirty birds with 5 replicates (6 birds/ replicate). On day 21, fresh inocula of E. coli (1x10 9 cfu ) were orally administered to all the groups except negative control. The results revealed that birds in SN-3 group showed significantly larger zone of inhibition, increased feed intake, weight gain and improved feed conversion ratio compared to standard and control groups. Moreover, reduced (p<0.05) mortality and morbidity index was found in SN-3 group among all the treated groups. It was concluded, that use of serratiopeptidase combination with neomycin has better impact on broiler chickens to enhance the antimicrobial effect of Neomycin against E. coli infection and to enhance production parameters.