The effect of a novel Bacillus probiotic on performance, egg quality and intestinal morphology of laying hens

• A multi-strain Bacillus probiotic improved laying hen performance during peak production. • Probiotic supplementation enhanced egg quality parameters, including eggshell strength and albumen height. • Ileum morphology was positively influenced, with increased villus height and surface area. • The probiotic supported mucosal structure, potentially enhancing nutrient absorption and feed efficiency. This study was conducted to determine the efficacy of a novel probiotic (a blend of three Bacillus spp. strains: ATCC PTA-6737, PTA-127113 and PTA-127114) on performance, egg quality and intestinal morphology of laying hens. Sixty-four HiSex laying hens (22 weeks of age) were randomly distributed between two treatment groups (T1 = Control and T2=Probiotic supplemented at 3 × 10 8 CFU/kg) and acclimatized to the new conditions for two weeks. There were 16 replicates per treatment with two hens each. After acclimatization, hens received one of the two dietary treatments for 12 weeks. Body weights and egg laying parameters were measured over the three four-week phases. No differences were reported in the initial and final body weights between the groups (P>0.05). The hens fed the probiotic supplemented diet had higher (P<0.05) egg weight, laying rate and egg mass during the third phase of the study (week 9-12), and lower FCR in the second (week 5-8) and third phases of the study (P≤0.0001), as well as in the overall period (week 1-12; P<0.05). Several egg quality parameters were significantly improved (P<0.05) with the probiotic supplementation during week 4. Hens supplemented with the probiotic showed improved eggshell breaking strength and yolk color during week 8 and 12, respectively. Furthermore, hens supplemented with the probiotic blend had higher (P<0.05) villi height, villi width and villi surface area. The results from this study suggest that dietary inclusion of this novel Bacillus blend probiotic (at 3 × 10 8 CFU/kg) can improve the performance and egg quality of laying hens.