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

Abstract

SUMMARY: This study was conducted to evaluate effects of various 2-species combinations of probiotics (Lactobaccillus paracasei, Lactobaccillus plantarum, and Lactobaccillus rhamnosus at 3.33 × 1011 cfu/kg of each species) on egg quality, serum parameters, and sulfur containing compounds in manure of laying hens. A total of 240 (32-wk-old) White Leghorn W36 laying hens were randomly separated into 5 treatments with 6 replicates. Each replicate was composed of 8 hens in individual cages. They were fed the following diets: T1, Control (16% Hi-Energy Layer crumble); T2, Control +L. paracasei + L. plantarum; T3, Control + L. paracasei + L. rhamnosus; T4, Control + L. plantarum + L. rhamnosus; and T5, Control + L. paracasei + L. plantarum + L. rhamnosus, delivering 3.33 × 1011 cfu/kg feed of each species for eight weeks. Combination of probiotics did not significantly affect egg quality, serum parameters, or sulfur containing gaseous compounds (hydrogen sulfide, dimethyl disulfide, methyl mercaptan, carbon disulfide, and carbonyl sulfide). However, these gaseous compounds were always numerically higher in manure of hens fed probiotics than the Control, suggesting that, possibly, some probiotics passed through the gut and were active in manure. Temporal fluctuations in hydrogen sulfide and methyl mercaptan were observed.

Keywords

• probiotic
• laying hen
• egg quality
• volatile sulfur compound
• manure