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In vitro compatibility screening of Bacillus pumilus and Bacillus altitudinis strains with selected candidate prebiotics for in ovo application of synergistic synbiotics

Summary

Researchers tested different beneficial bacteria (Bacillus strains) and food additives (prebiotics) to create improved formulations for chicken embryos. They found that certain plant-based additives, especially protein hydrolysate, worked particularly well with specific bacterial strains. When they tested the best combination in developing chicken eggs, it was completely safe and didn’t affect hatching rates, suggesting this approach could be used to give chicks a healthier start in life.

Background

Bacillus species have demonstrated beneficial effects on intestinal health and immune function in poultry. Previous research identified prebiotics that stimulate anaerobic probiotics, but similar evaluations with aerobic Bacillus strains were limited, motivating investigation of their compatibility with novel prebiotic candidates for in ovo synbiotic applications.

Objective

To perform in vitro compatibility screening of five Bacillus strains with 12 candidate prebiotic compounds to identify optimal synbiotic combinations for in ovo application, and to validate the safety of the most promising combination through in ovo administration.

Results

Beta-glucan enhanced growth of all five Bacillus strains compared to glucose control. Species-specific responses were observed, with lentinus stimulating only B. pumilus strains and vegetable protein hydrolysate particularly effective for B. altitudinis strains. The in ovo hatchability trial demonstrated safety of B. altitudinis 2 and vegetable protein hydrolysate administration, both individually and as a synbiotic combination.

Conclusion

In vitro screening effectively identified optimal synbiotic formulations, with vegetable protein hydrolysate and B. altitudinis 2 selected for in ovo evaluation. The safety demonstration of this combination at embryonic day 18.5 provides a foundation for future studies examining immunomodulatory capacity and long-term performance outcomes.
  • Published in:Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology,
  • Study Type:In vitro compatibility screening with in vivo validation,
  • Source: PMID: 41364342, DOI: 10.1007/s00253-025-13624-w
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