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Effects of Lactic Acid in feed on the prevalence of Coliform bacteria and Salmonella in monogastrics.
The effect of feed form and acidification has been studied by many researchers in various tests. One of those studies have pointed that Salmonella positive weaners increased the risk of having a salmonella problem at finishing. It is therefore of great interest to examine the possibility of reducing infection pressure among pigs and poultry through the addition of organic acids in feeds. A study conducted by Jorgensen et al., (2001), concluded that addition of a high concentration of lactic acid (2.8%) to weaners’ diets resulted in a significant reduction in Salmonella in pigs. The preliminary stages of the trails showed that salmonella shedding by the pigs in the experiment was high after a microbiological analysis. Samples were collected from the gastrointestinal tract of the pigs for characterization of the microbial ecosystem to ascertain the concentration of organic acids and as well as the population of coliform bacteria and Lactic acid bacteria. After the trial, the statistical analysis revealed that, salmonella shed in the faeces of pigs fed with the Lactic acid inclusion was significantly lower than for those that had been fed with diets without lactic acid. By looking at the statistical results, it is clear that there is a clear reduction in the prevalence of Salmonella positive faecal samples when acid was added to the feed.
The test therefore proved finally that, a reduction in the coliform bacteria has a direct connection with a reduction in the salmonella. This is because, poor conditions for coliform bacteria also indicates poor growth condition for salmonella as well. The addition of the lactic acid to the feed will significantly improve the value of production by improving also the daily weight gain, feed conversion efficiency and gastrointestinal health (Jensen and Mikkelsen, 1998 & Beal et al., 2002).
General conclusions drawn from this research experiment includes
The test therefore proved finally that, a reduction in the coliform bacteria has a direct connection with a reduction in the salmonella. This is because, poor conditions for coliform bacteria also indicates poor growth condition for salmonella as well. The addition of the lactic acid to the feed will significantly improve the value of production by improving also the daily weight gain, feed conversion efficiency and gastrointestinal health (Jensen and Mikkelsen, 1998 & Beal et al., 2002).
General conclusions drawn from this research experiment includes
- Acidification of feed by microbial metabolism reduces the rate of emptying of the stomach and also stimulates the secretion of proteolytic enzymes (Mayer 1994).
- Proliferation of spoilage bacteria in feed can be prevented by low pH and high concentrations of Lactic and acetic acids (van Winsen et al., 2000).
- Fluctuations in the microbial population that are not detected by quantification will still have an effect on the feed quality (Olstorpe et al., 2008).
To achieve the desired optimal level of production, there must be effective utilization of feed nutrients and reduction in feed wastage from unabsorbed nutrients. It is therefore imperative that the feed efficiency is enhanced by using gut cleansers (Biotronic Top 3) as well as salmonella and Coliform bacteria inhibitors. One such organic, safe and cheap method is by the use of organic acids (Lactic and acetic acids) in feeds for pigs, fish and poultry.
Animal Nutrition And Health Products
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Antibiotics
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Anticoccidials
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Anti-Parasitics
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Feed-Additives