The aim of the study was to identify changes in the intestinal immune system of broiler chickens under the influence of a probiotic preparation based on Bacillus subtilis as a tool for improving the technological results of rearing. Two experimental groups were formed: a poultry house where the drugs were given according to the usual preventive programme (control) and a poultry house where the probiotic preparation based on Bacillus subtilis “SVITECO-PWC” was given. Methods of the study were: pathomorphological examination (autopsy), microbiological examination of broiler chickens, quantitative microbiological examination of the microflora of the cecum, polymerase chain reaction in intestinal tissue and litter, biochemical examination of blood serum parameters of broiler chickens, determination of interferon content in cells of the 12th cecum and cecum, determination of E-cadherin content in samples of the 12th cecum. Statistical analysis of production indicators: live weight, feed conversion, broiler liveability. The necropsy results showed that the main disease of the poultry in both groups was erosivedesquamative gastroenterocolitis, but the poultry in the experimental group showed a tendency to less erosive damage to the small and large intestine; the number of E. coli bacteria in the cecum of the experimental group was on average lower than in the control group, and the homogeneity of the indicator was also higher in the experimental group; the use of probiotic mixture in poultry contributed to a significant reduction in the number of Eimeria aservulina in the intestines of broilers and enhanced the colonisation of the intestines by Clostridium perfringens, which led to an increase in the number of the latter in the litter, improved protein metabolism and the amount of interferon in the experimental group. The conclusions of the study were that the addition of the probiotic to the preventive programme improved the intestinal immunity of broilers and production performance
broiler; Bacillus subtilis; intestinal immune system; microbiome
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