Effects of microbial agents on small intestinal structure and the quantity of cecal microorganisms in broilers

Abstract

In order to elucidate the significance and related mechanisms of microbial agents in modulating the growth of broilers, one-day-old Avian broilers were employed to investigate the effect of microbial agents on body weight, daily gain and feed efficiency at various stages. The birds in the experimental groups were given salmonella pullorum then fed with antibiotics to counteract it. The results showed that the average broiler weight of the oral microbial agent group at the age of 40 days was significantly increased by 16.58% from 1520 g to 1772 g (P<0.05). The feed conversion efficiency was decreased from 2.21 to 1.82 (P<0.01). In the experimental group fed with microbial agents, microscopic observation revealed that the intestinal villi increased in number, length and orderliness. The intestinal wall became thickened. The glands in the intestine were developed, which would be beneficial to nutrient absorption. The effect of oral microbial agents was identical to that due to antibiotics. It was also observed that Lactobacillusdominated the cecal microorganisms in broilers.

Key words： microbial agent; broilers; intestinal structure; cecal microorganisms

Acknowledgements

This work was financially supported by the Grant of Agricultural University of Hebei, China (No. 2004-K-01).

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