Comparison of the effect of lactic acid bacteria added to feed or water on growth performance, health status and gut microbiota of chickens broilers

Comparison of the effect of lactic acid bacteria added to feed or water on growth performance, health status and gut microbiota of chickens broilers. The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of two routs of potentially probiotic lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains: Lactobacillus plantarum K KKP 593/p and Lactobacillus rhamnosus KKP 825 administration (via feed or water) on growth performance, health status and the composition of gut microbiota of broiler chickens. A total of 375 one-day-old chicks Ross 308 were divided into three main groups. The experimental factor was the application of bacteria to feed (starter, grower and fi nisher) or drinking water. Control group did not receive bacteria. Addition of bacteria to water had a favorable effect on higher live body weight of chickens during the fi rst (starter) and the second (grower) period of rearing compared to the control group and the group receiving bacteria in feed. Total feed intake and feed conversion ratio was higher in the groups receiving bacteria than in the control group. Mortality among chickens receiving LAB was signifi cantly reduced, wherein the lowest mortality was observed among chickens receiving bacteria in feed. Moreover, feeding chickens with potentially probiotic bacteria had an impact on inhibition the growth of Clostridium perfringens in the intestine and did not change biochemical and hematological parameters of blood and results of slaughter analysis compared to the control group. There were no clear and signifi cant differences in analyzed parameters of chickens depending on the rout of lactic acid bacteria administration.