Effectiveness of probiotic supplementation on growth performance, gut microbiota, and Salmonella reduction in broiler chicks challenged with Salmonella Typhimurium

Benjamas Khurajog; Imporn Saenkankam; Prasert Apiwatsiri; Natthapong Supimon; Ratchnida Kamwa; Waree Niyomtham; Jitrapa Yindee; Cherdpong Phupolphan; David J. Hampson; Nuvee Prapasarakul

doi:10.1038/s41598-026-37506-x

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Effectiveness of probiotic supplementation on growth performance, gut microbiota, and Salmonella reduction in broiler chicks challenged with Salmonella Typhimurium

Journal article

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Effectiveness of probiotic supplementation on growth performance, gut microbiota, and Salmonella reduction in broiler chicks challenged with Salmonella Typhimurium

Benjamas Khurajog, Imporn Saenkankam, Prasert Apiwatsiri, Natthapong Supimon, Ratchnida Kamwa, Waree Niyomtham, Jitrapa Yindee, Cherdpong Phupolphan, David J. Hampson and Nuvee Prapasarakul

Scientific reports, Vol.16(1), 6983

2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-37506-x

PMID: 41629580

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Abstract

Chicken

Growth performance

Metagenomic analysis

Probiotic

<italic>Salmonella</italic> Typhimurium challenge

Salmonella infection poses a major threat to poultry production, affecting both animal health and food safety. With rising concerns over antimicrobial resistance, probiotics have gained attention as effective non-antibiotic interventions to control enteric pathogens while supporting gut health. This study evaluated the efficacy of a locally isolated probiotic blend comprising Ligilactobacillus salivarius BF12, and Pediococcus acidilactici strains BF9 and BYF20 (ProCU) in comparison with a commercial Clostridium butyricum-based probiotic (TOP GUT) in broiler chicks challenged with Salmonella Typhimurium (ST). A total of 196 chicks were assigned to seven groups receiving different treatments with or without Salmonella challenge. Parameters assessed included growth performance, intestinal histomorphometry, cecal Salmonella load, and microbiota composition and function. Before challenge, ProCU increased fecal lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and enriched amino acid and carbohydrate metabolism pathways. Post-challenge, TOP GUT significantly reduced Salmonella load and maintained growth, while ProCU showed a limited effect on pathogen reduction. Both probiotics improved intestinal morphology, increased Lactobacillus and Akkermansia abundance, and upregulated oxidative stress defense genes. Notably, TOP GUT also enriched Parabacteroides and other Bacteroidetes members and prolonged microbial metabolic activity. These findings emphasize strain-specific probiotic effects and suggest that continuous supplementation, particularly with spore-forming strains, may enhance gut health and reduce the Salmonella burden in poultry.

Details

Title: Effectiveness of probiotic supplementation on growth performance, gut microbiota, and Salmonella reduction in broiler chicks challenged with Salmonella Typhimurium
Authors/Creators: Benjamas Khurajog - Chulalongkorn University
Imporn Saenkankam - Chulalongkorn University
Prasert Apiwatsiri - Chulalongkorn University
Natthapong Supimon - Chulalongkorn University
Ratchnida Kamwa - Chulalongkorn University
Waree Niyomtham - Chulalongkorn University
Jitrapa Yindee - Chulalongkorn University
Cherdpong Phupolphan - Chulalongkorn University
David J. Hampson - Murdoch University, School of Veterinary Medicine
Nuvee Prapasarakul - Chulalongkorn University
Publication Details: Scientific reports, Vol.16(1), 6983
Publisher: Nature Publishing Group
Number of pages: 19
Identifiers: 991005866792007891
Murdoch Affiliation: School of Veterinary Medicine
Language: English
Resource Type: Journal article

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