• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.50 no.6
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• pp.807-818
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• 2008

This study was conducted to prove the optimum feeding method of Lactobacillus in broiler chickens by investigating the intestinal viability of ingested Lactobacillus and the effect of feeding levels and frequency of Lactobacillus on growth performance in broiler chickens. In experiment 1, A total of one hundred, 5 weeks old male broiler chickens(Abor Acre) were fed Lactobacillus reuteri avibro2 expressed green fluorescent protein(GFP) at 104cfu/g diet to investigate the retention time of ingested Lactobacillus in the intestine for 1 day. The percentage of Lactobacillus expressed GFP in intestinal contents was 26% at 1 day after fed Lactobacillus expressed GFP. The percentage of Lactobacillus expressed GFP in intestinal contents was decreased in length of time. In experiment 2, A total of four hundred eighty, 1-d-old male broiler chicks(Abor Acre) were randomly divided into 4 groups with 4 replicates of 30 birds each to prove the optimum feeding level of Lactobacillus. The treatments were control(free antibiotics), Lactobacillus reuteri avibro2 5.0×10cfu/mL, 5.0×103cfu/mL, and 5.0×105cfu/mL. The final body weight and body wight gain of Lactobacillus reuteri avibro2 5.0×103cfu/mL were the highest in all groups(P<0.05). Feed conversion ratio was not significantly difference among the groups. The number of intestinal lactic acid bacteria in Lactobacillus treated groups tended to be improved or significantly increased as compared to that of control(P<0.05). Protein and fat digestibility in Lactobacillus 5.0×103cfu/mL and 5.0×105cfu/mL treated groups were significantly improved(P<0.05). No significant differences were observed on the availability of dry matter and crude ash in Lactobacillus treatments compared to those of control. In experiment 3, A total of six hundred 1-d-old male broiler chicks(Abor Acre) were randomly divided into 4 groups with 4 replicates of 30 birds each and were fed Lactobacillus reuteri avibro2 at intervals of 1, 2, 3, and 5 day for five weeks. Feeding level of Lactobacillus was 5.0×103cfu/mL The final body weight and body wight gain of Lactobacillus reuteri avibro2 5.0×103cfu/mL were the highest in all groups(P<0.05). The final body weight and body weight gain were significantly increased, when Lactobacillus was fed at intervals of 1 days, or 2 days. There were no significant differences in feed intake and feed conversion ratio among the all groups. The number of intestinal lactic acid bacteria in Lactobacillus treated groups tended to be improved or significantly increased as compared to that of control(P<0.05). No significant differences were observed on the number of coliform bacteria and Salmonella of ileum and cecum. Consequently, supplemental Lactobacillus influenced positive effects on the growth performance, nutrient availability and intestinal microflora. The optimum feeding level of Lactobacillus was 5.0×103cfu/mL, and the constant feeding of Lactobacillus was effective.