The rising interest in probiotics has paved the way for innovative practices in poultry production. As poultry farming moves towards antibiotic-free solutions, probiotics offer a natural and effective means to enhance health and productivity in flocks. This approach not only adheres to evolving consumer preferences but also promotes sustainability in modern farming.
Bacillus-based probiotic products have gained traction due to several advantages. Their ability to form resilient spores allows them to endure extreme environmental conditions, including feed processing and the acidic milieu of the gastrointestinal tract. Notably, certain strains such as Bacillus subtilis DSM 29784 (Bs29784, Alterion NE, Adisseo) can germinate rapidly, leading to a robust population of viable cells in the intestines. These cells secrete a variety of metabolites that enhance gut health.
Metabolites like surfactins, fengycins, and subtilins possess antibacterial and antifungal properties, enabling Bacillus to compete effectively against other microorganisms. As a result, commercial strains are often selected based on their effectiveness against harmful enteric pathogens, such as toxic strains of Clostridium perfringens and certain Salmonella serovars, which are of concern due to their potential to cause foodborne illness in humans.
Salmonella: Exploiting Inflammation
Salmonella, a member of the Enterobacteriaceae family, typically exists in low abundance within a healthy bird’s gut microbiota. The hindgut is predominantly populated by anaerobic bacteria that degrade indigestible fibers while producing anti-inflammatory short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs).
However, conditions of intestinal inflammation can alter these dynamics, allowing Salmonella to thrive. Inflammatory processes can lead to vasodilation, disrupting the epithelial barrier and allowing oxygen influx into the gut. This oxygen can be toxic to anaerobic SCFA-producing bacteria, reducing competition for Salmonella.
Moreover, inflammation triggers the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can interact with sulfur-containing compounds to produce tetrathionate, serving as a metabolic resource for Salmonella and facilitating its proliferation.
Clostridium perfringens: Nutrient Liberation through Cell Disruption
Similar to Salmonella, certain strains of Clostridium perfringens exploit disrupted intestinal homeostasis by secreting toxins that degrade the protective mucus layer and epithelial lining. This degradation leads to increased inflammation, cell death, and nutrient leakage, fostering further growth of the pathogen and perpetuating a cycle of destruction.
Consequently, for probiotics to mitigate the effects of intestinal pathogens, it is crucial they enhance the resilience of the gut ecosystem by managing inflammation, optimizing redox status, and maintaining epithelial integrity.
Bs29784: A Defense Against Opportunistic Pathogens
To evaluate the efficacy of the probiotic strain Bs29784, extensive trials were conducted. In one study by Wang et al. (2021) involving a subclinical necrotic enteritis model in broilers, the challenge caused elevated apoptotic markers and inflammatory cytokines in the jejunum. However, supplementation with Bs29784 markedly reduced these adverse effects.
A subsequent trial demonstrating the benefits of Bs29784 involved broilers exposed to high bacterial loads from dirty litter. Results showed that supplementation with Bs29784 significantly reduced levels of E. coli, Salmonella, and C. perfringens, often outperforming traditional antimicrobial growth promoters (BMD).
In conclusion, Bs29784 emerges as an effective agent in controlling enteric pathogens by fostering overall gut health, ultimately leading to healthier poultry flocks and enhanced production efficiency.
