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In-ovo injection of Bacillus subtilis, raffinose, and their combinations enhances hatchability, gut health, nutrient transport- and intestinal function-related genes, and early development of broiler chicks

Summary

Researchers injected newly developing chicken eggs with beneficial bacteria (Bacillus subtilis) and a prebiotic substance (raffinose) to improve chick health. The treatment enhanced egg hatchability, improved chick weight, reduced harmful bacteria in the gut, and strengthened intestinal function. This approach shows promise as a natural alternative to antibiotics in poultry farming.

Background

The embryonic phase is critical in poultry production, influencing overall development and growth performance. In-ovo administration of bioactive compounds such as probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics has been shown to enhance physiological roles and health in broiler chickens. This study investigates the combined effects of Bacillus subtilis and raffinose on newly hatched broiler chicks.

Objective

To assess the response of broiler chick embryos to in-ovo injection of Bacillus subtilis (probiotic), raffinose (prebiotic), and their combinations on hatchability, chick quality, cecal microbial populations, intestinal histomorphometry, and gene expression.

Results

In-ovo treatment with probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics significantly improved hatchability, chick weight, yolk-free chick weight, and reduced residual yolk weight. Bacterial counts of pathogens (total bacteria, E. coli, total coliforms) decreased significantly while beneficial bacteria (B. subtilis, lactic acid bacteria) increased. Intestinal villus length, surface area, and expression of MUC-2, OCLN, JAM-2, VEGF, SGLT-1, and EAAT-3 genes were significantly enhanced.

Conclusion

In-ovo injection of low-dose B. subtilis combined with high or low-dose raffinose positively affects hatching traits, cecal microbial populations, intestinal histomorphometry, and nutrient transport-related genes in newly hatched broiler chicks. This synbiotic approach may serve as a safe alternative to antibiotic growth promoters in poultry production.
  • Published in:Poultry Science,
  • Study Type:Experimental Study,
  • Source: PMID: 39154607, DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2024.104134
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