2.5 Probiotics and Prebiotics
Beneficial live microbes, known as probiotics, play a key role in
preventing infections, while prebiotics serve as non-digestible
ingredients that encourage the growth of healthy gut bacteria. Research
indicates that including Lactobacillus plantarum B1 in the diets of
broilers enhances levels of ileal mucosal secretory IgA and decreases
pro-inflammatory cytokines. This not only improves growth performance
but also reduces cecal E. coli counts. Specifically, L. plantarum
B1 has been effective in lowering E. coli levels and bolstering
immune responses.20,21 Other strains, such as
Lactobacillus plantarum 15-1 with fructooligosaccharides and
Enterococcus faecalis-1, have also shown benefits, resulting in reduced
mortality and improved immunity against APEC infections. A combination
of multiple probiotic strains was able to eliminate deaths from APEC O78
and decrease bacterial levels in the liver and spleen. Furthermore, a
commercial probiotic tested alongside a recombinant Salmonella vaccine
demonstrated potential in enhancing both growth and immunity in
poultry.2