Bacillus Coagulans como alternativa aos antibióticos no controle da Salmonella Enteritidis e no desempenho de frangos de corte

Abstract

The use of antimicrobials is a common practice in the production of broilers as a preventive to the attack of Salmonella spp and also as a growth promoter. However, due to the prohibition and restrictions on the use of antibiotics by some countries, the search for alternative products that can improve the microbiota of birds has become increasingly popular. One of the alternatives would be probiotics, which are live microbial additives that beneficially affect the host animal. The objective of this study was to evaluate the supplementation of the probiotic Bacillus coagulans on the performance, carcass characteristics and health of broilers from 7 to 42 days. Six treatments were used: T1- Control; T2- PROB1 (Probiotic 400 g / t); T3- PROB2 (Probiotic 400 g / ton until 21 days and 200 g / t from 22 to 42 days); T4- Control + antibiotic; T5- Control + Salmonella inoculation; T6- PROB1 + Salmonella inoculation. 720 broilers were used, distributed in a randomized block design, with six treatments and eight repetitions. The performance parameters, carcass, viscera, dermatological lesions (chest, hock and footpad) and incidence of Salmonella in the excreta were evaluated. It was observed that from 7 to 42 days the treatments did not influence feed consumption, carcass yield and cuts and the lesions incidence. Weight gain and feed conversion were better in birds that received antibiotic or probiotic diets. There was an incidence of Salmonella in the excreta at 42 days only in the treatment with challenge without adding a probiotic. It is concluded that the Bacillus coagulans can be used as an alternative for the replacement of antibiotics in chicken feed as it provides similar performance and is efficient in controlling Salmonella enteritidis.