Application of the probiotic bacillus subtilis in COBB 500 chicken: evaluation of productive parameters

Investigation article

Abstract

In the poultry sector there is a need for alternatives to antibiotics, which do not reduce the production or conversion of meat and which in turn do not generate adverse effects on the health of the consumer. In this sense, probiotics are an interesting option; therefore, in the present investigation the effect of the Bacillus subtilis probiotic on the productive parameters of Cobb 500 broilers was determined. The probiotic was supplied orally by aqueous solution in 3 different concentrations, over a period of 6 weeks. The concentrations used were 1.2x10³ UFC (D1), 1.6x10⁵ UFC (D2) and 2x10⁷ UFC (D3). Productive parameters such as weight gain, food conversion index, American efficiency factor, carcass weight, mortality, changes in villi and pathological analyzes were evaluated; determining that the probiotic Bacillus subtilis has a positive effect on the productive parameters, which was reflected in the weight gain and in the nutritional conversion. It is highlighted that the D2 treatment showed greater stability in general lines, presenting a positive balance in consumption, weight and conversion rate, during the fattening process of the Cobb 500 chicken.

Keywords: Poultry; probiotics; yield; Bacillus subtilis.