Preliminary assessment of probiotic Bacillus subtilis C-3102 in feces: evaluation of their survival after oral supplementation in goats

Abstract

The objective of the study was to assess the presence of Bacillus subtilis C-3102 in feces after oral supplementation in goats. Six, rumen-fistulated, 3.5 year-old, non-lactating female Saanen goats (average initial body weight of 65 ± 8 kg) were assigned to two treatments 1) a basal diet (CON), and 2) a basal diet supplemented with B. subtilis C-3102 probiotic product (BS) in a cross-over design. Each experimental period lasted 21 days with was preceded by a 20 days adaptation period. On the last day of each experimental period, rumen fluid and fecal samples were collected. Body weights were recorded weekly throughout the experiment. Body weight and rumen pH were found to be similar between dietary treatments. The goats that received BS had higher numbers of B. subtilis C-3102 in fecal samples than CON. It was therefore concluded that supplemental B. subtilis C-3102 met an important precondition of probiotics in that they can survive the passage through the gastrointestinal tract without evident adverse effects. The current result provides a solid basis for future research involving any effects after supplementing probiotic B. subtilis in goats.