Antibacterial and Histo-Pathological Effects of β-Glucan and Lactobacillus in Escherichia coli Infected Broiler Chicks

Prebiotics like β-glucan from wheat bran source and Lactobacillus from yoghurt were used in broiler chickens against pathogenic Escherichia coli. A total of 120 broiler hatchlings were reared aseptically into 5 groups as A to E with 24 birds in each group. The Group A and group B were taken as control negative and control positive respectively. The birds in group C were augmented with β-glucan @75mg/kg and E. coli infection. The birds of group D were nourished with Lactobacillus @ 109 CFU along with E. coli infection. Group E birds were treated with β-glucan, Lactobacillus and E. coli infection simultaneously. Six birds from each group were bled at 21st, 28th, 35th and 42nd day to observe pathological and haematological changes. The highest morbidity and mortality rate as 50% & 44% was recorded in control positive group B while the lowest as 0% and 0% in control negative group A. The highest weight gain was recorded in group C followed by E, D, A and B. The increase in weight of vital organs including lung, liver and heart was recorded higher in A and E as compared to B, C and D groups. Prominent deteriorating changes in liver and heart were seen in B, C and D as compared to A and E groups. Lowered PCV values were recorded in β-glucan and Lactobacillus supplemented group as compared to control groups. The present study concluded that β-glucan and Lactobacillus have antibacterial effects against E. coli and also have beneficial effects on body weight.