Insight into dominant intestinal microbiota and the fatty acids profile of turkeys following the administration of synbiotic preparations.

BACKGROUND

Probiotics and prebiotics are widely used as natural feed additives in the nutrition of farm animals, including poultry. The using of this type of preparation has a positive effect on animal welfare, human health and the environment. High potential is attributed to preparations combining probiotics and prebiotics, called synbiotics. The aim of the research was to confirm the beneficial effects of synbiotics on the performance of turkeys and the number of dominant intestinal microbiota. In addition, we also investigated the concentration of organic acids (lactic acid, short-chain and branched-chain fatty acids) in the excreta of turkeys.

RESULTS

The synbiotic supplementation of turkeys caused statistically significant (P < 0.05) differences in body weight of animals and European production efficiency factor (EPEF) compared to control group after 15 weeks of rearing. Administration of the synbiotics resulted in a significant (P < 0.05) reduction in the count of potential pathogens (Clostridium spp., Clostridium coccoides and Escherichia coli) but a significant (P < 0.05) increase in the count of beneficial microorganisms (lactobacilli and Bifidobacterium spp.) in the excreta of turkeys. Results of synbiotic supplementation showed that the short-chain fatty acids and lactic acid concentration were significantly (P < 0.05) increased, while the concentration of branched-chain fatty acids was decreased.

CONCLUSION

The results showed a beneficial influence of the synbiotics on the animals' performance, dominant intestinal microbiota and fatty acid profile in the excreta of turkeys. The developed synbiotics can be effectively used in nutrition of turkeys. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.