Effects of Probiotics and Antibiotic Supplementation on Serum Biochemistry and Intestinal Microflora in Broiler Chicks

A study was conducted to compare Gram positive (Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Berevibacillus laterosporus) and Gram negative probiotics’ bacteria (E. coli Nissle 1917) with antibiotic (Virginiamycin) on serum biochemistry and intestinal microflora in broiler chicks. Total of 140, one-day old male Ross 308 broiler chicks were subjected to a 42-day experimental period. The chicks were divided into five experimental groups; Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Berevibacillus laterosporus, E.coli Nissle 1917 in drinking water, virginiamycin antibiotic treatment in feed, the last group considered as control. Each group with equal numbers included 4 replicates (10 chicks per replicate). Usage of treatments had no significant effect on serum concentration of total protein and albumin (P>0.05), but significant effect was observed in uric acid and glucose level in serum. Treatments had no significant effect of on calcium and phosphorous levels in serum (P>0.05). Usage of probiotics enhanced the level of serum high-density lipoproteins (P<0.01), and reduced the level of cholesterol (P<0.01). Treatments had no significant effect on serum triglyceride level (P>0.23), but they had significant effect on intestinal selected microflora (P<0.01). It seems that probiotics have potential to be a reliable alternative to growth promoter antibiotics in poultry production. In general, using of both Gram negative and Gram positive probiotics bacteria in drinking water had positive effect on biochemical parameters profiles in serum and population of intestinal microflora. Key word: Antibiotic; Serum biochemistry; Intestinal microflora; E. coli Nissle 1917; Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Berevibacillus laterosporus.