Combination of probiotic and prebiotic impacts Salmonella Enteritidis infection in layer hens
E.A. Kimminau, T.P. Karnezos, Roy D. Berghaus, Matthew Jones, J.A. Baxter, Charles L. Hofacre
Abstract
SUMMARY Mitigation of food pathogens such as Salmonella continues to be a focus in poultry production , whether on shell eggs or meat products. No single approach is fully able to eliminate the risk, but rather comprehensive programs are used in a multifaceted approach. Targeted in-feed additives are a component of a food safety program and may help to reduce Salmonella infection. This study was aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a probiotic and prebiotic combination feed-additive product (Fulfill Plus) to reduce Salmonella Enteritidis ( S.E. ) infection in layer hens. One-hundred and forty-four (144) 1-day-old Hy-line pullets were raised on new litter until 10 wk of age when they were moved into individual cages. There were 3 treatments, 1) Untreated 2) probiotic and prebiotic combination given D 0 to termination, and 3) probiotic and prebiotic combination given Wk 10 to termination. At 17 weeks-of-age each bird was orally challenged with 3 × 10 6 CFU/bird nalidixic acid resistant strain of S.E. Seven (7) and 14 d postchallenge, ceca and ovaries were aseptically collected and cultured for S.E. Significant differences ( P < 0.05) in prevalence and mean cecal S.E. log 10 MPN/g were observed between 7 d postinfection compared with 14 d postinfection. Addition of probiotic and prebiotic combination at wk 10 (Treatment 3) significantly ( P < 0.05) reduced S.E. numbers in the ceca of these pullets compared to probiotic and prebiotic combination given at D 0 (Treatment 2). Significant differences ( P < 0.05) in prevalence and mean ovary S.E. log10 MPN/g were observed with Treatment 2 being significantly lower than Treatment 3.