Ameliorative Effect of Bacillus subtilis on Growth Performance and Intestinal Architecture in Broiler Infected with Salmonella

Abstract

A total of 600 day-old broiler chicks (Ross 308) confirmed for the absence of <i>Salmonella</i> were randomly allocated to five treatments each with 10 replicates: negative control (basal diet only); positive control (basal diet) + infected with <i>Salmonella</i>; T1, <i>Salmonella</i> infected + avilamycin; T2, <i>Salmonella</i> infected + <i>Bacillus subtilis</i> (ATCC PTA-6737; 2 × 10⁷ CFU/g) and T3, <i>Salmonella</i> infected + <i>B. subtilis</i> (DSM 172999; 1.2 × 10⁶ CFU/g). The results revealed that feed intake (FI) and body weight (BW) were significantly (<i>p</i> < 0.01) lower in T1 compared to T2. The feed conversion ratio (FCR) was significantly (<i>p</i> < 0.01) lower in T2 and T3 compared to other treatments. Similarly, the performance efficiency factor (PEF) was also significantly (<i>p</i> < 0.01) higher in T2 and T3 compared to positive control. Villus height was significantly (<i>p</i> < 0.01) higher in T2 compared to all other treatments. However, villus width and surface area were significantly (<i>p</i> < 0.01) higher in T1. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with <i>B. subtilis</i> improved growth and intestinal health by reversing the negative effects of Salmonellosis.