Development of a probiotic to improve poultry health and performance.

New bacterial culture and sequencing techniques have allowed better characterization of the microbiota. Microbiota profiles containing high diversity are associated with better intestinal health, immune system and protection against pathogens. In nature, each animal species is naturally selected and hosts a very specific and diverse microbiota. However, current animal production systems impose factors that reduce this diversity, such as high-energy foods, high standards of hygiene and the use of antibiotics. In other species, colonization of infants with low diversity microbiota has been shown to have a significant negative impact on the regulation of the immune system, with long-term consequences. We showed that colonization of chicks with a high diversity microbiota from organically raised hens was maintained up to 42 days of life. However, one of the main risks associated with microbiota transplantation is the transmission of pathogenic organisms. For this reason, in this study, we will identify 30 bacterial species related to the improvement of intestinal health and will carry out a selective culture to isolate these organisms. Next, we will expose the newly hatched chicks to this new probiotic and study the impact on performance and on their local and systemic immune system.

Faculty Supervisor:

Marcio Costa

Student:

Partner:

Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Education

University:

Université de Montréal

Program: