Effects of Lactobacillus acidophilus on the growth performance, immune response, and intestinal barrier function of broiler chickens challenged with Escherichia coli O157.

ABSTRACT: We studied the effects of Lactobacillus acidophilus (L. acidophilus) on the growth performance, intestinal morphology, barrier function, and immune response of broilers challenged with Escherichia coli O157 (E. Coli). A total of 360 1-day-old Cobb male broilers were tested in a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement with 3 dietary L. acidophilus levels (0, 5 × 10⁸ CFU/kg, and 10 × 10⁸ CFU/kg of diet) and 2 disease challenge treatments (control or E. coli challenged). Results showed that E. coli challenge decreased the ADG, ADFI, and BW of broilers from 15 to 21 d (P < 0.05), increased the jejunum intestinal wall thickness, and significantly increased the mortality rate. E. coli challenge significantly (P < 0.05) decreased the serum IgA and IgM contents and peripheral blood CD3+

SUBMITTER: Wu Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8319008 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature