Location: Egg and Poultry Production Safety Research Unit
Project Number: 6040-32000-012-005-S
Project Type: Non-Assistance Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: Jul 18, 2022
End Date: Apr 30, 2027
Objective:
1. Determine the efficacy of direct fed microbials on the reduction of broiler chicks colonized with antimicrobial resistant Salmonella.
2. Determine the effect of direct fed microbials on the gut and litter microbiome of broiler chickens.
Approach:
Studies will be conducted in collaboration with Cooperator to find the best way to administer probiotics. Specific focus will be on oral administration of “probiotics” to broiler chicks, and direct application to litter. We will evaluate the effect of litter age (fresh versus reused litter) and the use of antibiotics on probiotic efficacy. Neonatal broiler chicks will be challenged with a mixture of susceptible and multidrug resistant Salmonella serovars (Heidelberg, Enteritidis, Kentucky and Infantis) and raised on fresh or reused litter for 42 days. Direct fed microbials (Calsporin® or LitMiChic – direct fed microbial that was developed in-house) will be administered weekly through either feed, drinking water or applied to litter. Feed, litter, water, tissue and blood samples will be collected weekly and used for Salmonella, Bacillus spp., microbiome, biological and physico-chemical parameter analyses. Funds will provide support for the proposed studies including facilities, supplies, feed and feed additives, students and animal caretakers.
