The addition of encapsulated Bacillus subtilis, Enterococcus faecium, and Lactobacillus plantarum postbiotics, either alone or with inulin, improves slaughter weight, gut function, and microbiota in broilers

Encapsulated various postbiotics and inulin, increased slaughter weight, feed intake and the relative weights of the duodenum and jejunum + ileum compared with the C (P < 0.05). In contrast, the relative weights of the proventriculus, gizzard, colon, and cecum were unchanged (P > 0.05). Villus height, villus width, crypt depth and villus height/crypt depth in the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum improved with encapsulated postbiotics (P < 0.05). Cecal Lactobacillus spp. and acetic, butyric, and propionic acid concentrations increased, while Escherichia coli levels reduced (P < 0.05). No significant differences in organic matter, protein, or fat digestibility were found (P > 0.05). Moreover, although no significant difference was observed between the groups with and without inulin supplementation, an improvement was noted (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Encapsulated different postbiotics (particularly those derived from Bacillus subtilis and Lactobacillus plantarum), either alone or combined with inulin, positively impacted broiler slaughter weight, gut function, and microbiota. These results support the theory that they could be used as potential feed additives in broiler chickens.