Influence of the Implantation of Lactobacillus Acidophilus in Chicks on the Growth, Feed Conversion, Malabsorption of Fats Syndrome and Intestinal Flora

Abstract

Three experiments have been carried out with broilers and Leghorn chicks to ascertain the influence of Lact. acidophilli implantation (during the first five days of life) on the weight gain, feed conversion index, fat digestibility, nitrogen retention, ceca and feces weight and the lactic and Enterococci flora in chickens up to 15 days of age. The results have shown that, in comparison to the presence and effects of antibiotics, the Lactobacilli implantation resulted in a similar effect, manifested by increasing weight gain and better feed efficiency in chicks grown in an “old” environment. Although not significant, the differences in fat digestibility and nitrogen retention were also most apparent when the environment was “old.” The implantation of Lact. acidophilus resulted in lower weights of the ceca and feces and a remarkable change in the bacterial flora of the ceca and the small intestine. At nine days of age of the chick, a marked increase in colonies of Lactobacilli was accompanied by an almost total disappearance of the Enterococci organisms.