Effects of two-species probiotic combinations on production performance at peak lay, sulfur compounds in manure, and selected serum profile

ContextProbiotics have potential to improve health of laying hens, thus improving the overall quality of eggs. AimsA study was conducted to evaluate the use of probiotics containing Lactobacillus species to improve egg quality and serum biochemistry, and to lower the concentration of sulfur-containing gas compounds from poultry manure. MethodsNinety-six White Leghorn W-36 laying hens (32 weeks old) were randomly assigned to two feeding treatments: Control and Control + Probiotics. A combination of probiotics (Lactobacillus paracasei, L. plantarum and L. rhamnosus totalling 1 × 1012 CFU/kg feed) was provided for 8 weeks. At Weeks 0, 4 and 8, eggs were analysed for weight, shell thickness, albumen height and Haugh unit. Faecal matter was analysed for total sulfur, sulfate-sulfur and 20 reduced sulfur compounds. Blood serum was analysed for amylase, calcium, phosphate, total cholesterol and triglycerides. Key resultsNo significant differences were observed between the two treatments for any of the parameters. Five sulfide gases were detected in manure: hydrogen sulfide (H2S), dimethyl sulfide (CH3)2S, methyl mercaptan (CH3SH), carbonyl sulfide (COS) and carbon disulfide (CS2). Ratios of various detectable gases were computed. Trends for ratios H2S:(CH3)2S, H2S:CS2, and H2S:COS from manure for both treatments were >1, whereas the ratios H2S:CH3SH and (CH3)2S:CH3SH were <1. ConclusionOverall, probiotics did not enhance production, egg quality or the serum profile. ImplicationsPossibly, the concentration of probiotics was too high, limiting bacterial colonisation and beneficial effects.

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Corrigendum to: Production performance of laying hens at peak lay, sulfur compounds in manure, and selected serum profiles: efficacy of Lactobacillus species as probiotics

Animal Production Science ◽

10.1071/an18724_co ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 60 (12) ◽

pp. 1568

Author(s):

K. Saksrithai ◽

N. H. Willits ◽

A. J. King

Keyword(s):

Dimethyl Sulfide ◽

Laying Hens ◽

Egg Quality ◽

Carbonyl Sulfide ◽

Poultry Manure ◽

Serum Biochemistry ◽

Sulfur Compounds ◽

Production Performance ◽

Lactobacillus Species ◽

Reduced Sulfur Compounds

ContextProbiotics have potential to improve health of laying hens, thus improving the overall quality of eggs. AimsA study was conducted to evaluate the use of probiotics containing Lactobacillus species to improve egg quality and serum biochemistry, and to lower the concentration of sulfur-containing gas compounds from poultry manure. MethodsNinety-six White Leghorn W-36 laying hens (32 weeks old) were randomly assigned to two feeding treatments: Control and Control + Probiotics. A combination of probiotics (Lactobacillus paracasei, L. plantarum and L. rhamnosus totalling 1 × 1012 CFU/kg feed) was provided for 8 weeks. At Weeks 0, 4 and 8, eggs were analysed for weight, shell thickness, albumen height and Haugh unit. Faecal matter was analysed for total sulfur, sulfate-sulfur and 20 reduced sulfur compounds. Blood serum was analysed for amylase, calcium, phosphate, total cholesterol and triglycerides. Key resultsNo significant differences were observed between the two treatments for any of the parameters. Five sulfide gases were detected in manure: hydrogen sulfide (H2S), dimethyl sulfide (CH3)2S, methyl mercaptan (CH3SH), carbonyl sulfide (COS) and carbon disulfide (CS2). Ratios of various detectable gases were computed. Trends for ratios H2S:(CH3)2S, H2S:CS2, and H2S:COS from manure for both treatments were >1, whereas the ratios H2S:CH3SH and (CH3)2S:CH3SH were ConclusionOverall, probiotics did not enhance production, egg quality or the serum profile. ImplicationsPossibly, the concentration of probiotics was too high, limiting bacterial colonisation and beneficial effects.

Download Full-text