PROBIOTICS IN POULTRY - MODES OF ACTION

Citation
Lz. Jin et al., PROBIOTICS IN POULTRY - MODES OF ACTION, World's Poultry Science Journal, 53(4), 1997, pp. 351-368
Citations number
128
ISSN journal
00439339
Volume
53
Issue
4
Year of publication
1997
Pages
351 - 368
Database
ISI
SICI code
0043-9339(1997)53:4<351:PIP-MO>2.0.ZU;2-6
Abstract
This paper reviews recent advances on the use and mode of action of pr obiotics (direct-fed microbials) in poultry. The addition of probiotic s to the diet has been found to improve growth performance and feed co nversion in broilers, and egg mass, egg weight and egg size in layers. The mode of action of probiotics in poultry includes (i) maintaining normal intestinal microflora by competitive exclusion and antagonism; (ii) altering metabolism by increasing digestive enzyme activity and d ecreasing bacterial enzyme activity and ammonia production; (iii) impr oving feed intake and digestion; and (iv) neutralizing enterotoxins an d stimulating the immune system.