Eficiência de cepas probióticas in ovo no controle de Salmonella Heidelberg em pintinhos de um dia de idade

Abstract

Brazil is the world’s largest exporter of chicken meat, which means poultry farms need to be careful with biosecurity programs to prevent the emergence of pathogens that could harm flocks and the final product. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of two probiotic strains and their effect on the inhibition of S. Heidelberg in 1-day-old chicks. Eighteen-day incubated embryonated eggs were inoculated with two probiotic strains, Lacticaseibacillus acidophilus UNICLON LA01 (LA01) and Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis UNICLON LLL01 (LLL01), either individually or in combination, along with a negative control. One day after this inoculation, the eggs were challenged with Salmonella Heidelberg or left unchallenged. They remained incubated until hatching. The chicks were euthanized for evaluation of internal organs and S. Heidelberg counts in the liver and intestines. XLD and VB plates inoculated with intestinal samples from the groups treated with LA01, LA01 + LLL01, and the positive control group, all challenged with S. Heidelberg, showed bacterial growth. Probiotics modulate the intestinal microbiota, balancing gastrointestinal health and competing with Salmonella for nutrients. Additionally, they produce antimicrobial substances and acids that lower intestinal pH, inhibiting pathogen growth. The study demonstrated the effectiveness of in ovo administration of probiotic strains in reducing Salmonella Heidelberg in 1-day-old chicks.