Antibacterial and Histo-Pathological Effects of β-Glucan and Lactobacillus in Escherichia coli Infected Broiler Chicks

Antibacterial and Histo-Pathological Effects of β-Glucan and Lactobacillus

Abstract

Prebiotics like β-glucan from wheat bran source and Lactobacillus from yoghurt were used in broiler chickens against pathogenic Escherichia coli. A total of 120 broiler hatchlings were reared aseptically into 5 groups as A to E with 24 birds in each group. The Group A and group B were taken as control negative and control positive respectively. The birds in group C were augmented with β-glucan @75mg/kg and E. coli infection. The birds of group D were nourished with Lactobacillus @ 10⁹ CFU along with E. coli infection. Group E birds were treated with β-glucan, Lactobacillus and E. coli infection simultaneously. Six birds from each group were bled at 21^st, 28^th, 35^th and 42^nd day to observe pathological and haematological changes. The highest morbidity and mortality rate as 50% & 44% was recorded in control positive group B while the lowest as 0% and 0% in control negative group A. The highest weight gain was recorded in group C followed by E, D, A and B. The increase in weight of vital organs including lung, liver and heart was recorded higher in A and E as compared to B, C and D groups. Prominent deteriorating changes in liver and heart were seen in B, C and D as compared to A and E groups. Lowered PCV values were recorded in β-glucan and Lactobacillus supplemented group as compared to control groups.  The present study concluded that β-glucan and Lactobacillus have antibacterial effects against E. coli and also have beneficial effects on body weight.