Dual strain probiotic boosts turkey performance

The research by Chr. Hansen was published in the proceedings of the 10^th Turkey Science and Production Conference in Chester, UK.

The 2 trials with a probiotic feed supplement* containing unique strains of Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus licheniformis, confirms that synergies exist between the 2 Bacillus strains.

The 1^st trial was conducted in 630 Big 6 day-old turkeys allocated to 1 of 3 different test groups: 1 received the probiotic for the 1^st 28 days of the study, while another received the probiotic supplement for all 56 days. A 3^rd group did not receive any probiotics and served as control. In the 2^nd trial, 300 Hybrid Converter day-old turkeys were assigned to 1 of 2 test groups: one un-supplemented control group, and 1 that received the probiotic for all 84 days of the study. Both trials showed substantial improvements in production parameters in birds fed diets containing the probiotic.

The performance benefits observed in the probiotic groups are related to the proven and synergistic modes of action of B. subtilis and B. licheniformis, according to Mickaël Rouault, global product manager for Chr. Hansen. “The probiotic strains in the product work together to support gut health by maintaining normal microbial populations, while inhibiting the establishment of harmful ones,” he says. B. licheniformis has also been shown in vitro to inhibit Clostridium perfringens, the bacterial pathogen that causes necrotic enteritis (NE).

In addition, B. subtilis and B. licheniformis enhance digestibility by producing a wide range of enzymes that are involved in carbohydrate, protein and lipid metabolism. By adapting enzymatic action to the substrate, the probiotic strains in the tested probiotic have been shown to increase energy release from several individual feed ingredients, as well as commercial turkey feed.

* BioPlus® 2B

Source: Chr. Hansen