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Effects of Lactobacillus reuteri on Live Performance and Intestinal Development of Male Turkeys

Poultry Science Department, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701; Phone: (501) 575-2065; FAX: (501) 575-3474

Ivan Casas and David Burnham

Biogaia Biologics, Inc., 6213 Angus Drive #D, Raleigh, NC 27613

Correspondence: P. W. Waldroup

This study evaluates the efficacy of Lactobacillus reuteri as a hatchery spray in combination with feed application on the live performance and intestinal development of Large White male turkeys. The poults were treated with L. reuteri or a placebo and fed diets with or without bacitracin methylene disalicylate (BMD). All birds received diets with monensin sodium as the anticoccidial. Treatment with L. reuteri enhanced early intestinal colonizationof this organism. The primary response to L. reuteri occurred after removal of the monensin and reduction in BMD level at 84 days of age. At 126 days of age the L. reuteri-treated birds were significantly heavier, and there was no significant difference in body weight due to BMD. Feed utilization was significantly improved at 126 days of age by L. reuteri when adjusted to a common body weight. L. reuteri and BMD affected intestinal development: in general, treatment with L. reuteri resulted in shorter, lighter intestines and smaller intestinal weight as percentage of body weight. BMD also reduced the total intestinal and small intestinal weights as percentage of body weight. Additional research is needed to define the interactions of anticoccidials and antibiotics with L. reuteri. Studies with L. reuteri should also maintain strict segregation of treated and non-treated birds.

Key Words: Antibiotics • colonization • direct-fed microbial • feed additive • hatchery-spray • intestinal measurements • Lactobacillus • live performance

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