Probiotics for broiler chickens in Brazil: systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

This study evaluated the efficacy of probiotic utilization as growth promoters in broiler chicken feeding using systematic literature review and meta-analysis. Thirty-five studies were recovered by the systematic review, 27 of which met the following criteria to be included in the meta-analysis: (1) Brazilian studies published between 1995 and 2005; (2) probiotics administered in the diet without growth promoter; (3) results included performance data with the respective coefficient of variation. Meta-analysis have shown that the probiotics promoted better weight gain and feed conversion than the negative control (no antimicrobial) in the initial phase (1 to 20-28 days); nevertheless, results were similar in the total period (1 to 35-48 days). Weight gain and feed conversion were similar between probiotics and the positive control (with antimicrobial) both in the initial and in the total periods. Viability in the total period improved with the use of probiotics in comparison to the negative or positive controls. Sensitivity analysis showed that the results of meta-analysis were coherent. The funnel plots and the Egger regression method evidenced that the studies published in Brazil do not present biased results. It is possible to conclude that the probiotics are a technically viable alternative to antimicrobial growth promoters in broiler feeding. Nevertheless, further studies are necessary to identify eventual differences among the probiotics commercially available in Brazil.

Development of broiler chickens after treatment with thymulin 5cH: a zoo technical approach

“…For these reasons, growth promoters and antibiotics are used to prevent disease and improve productivity, reducing the feeding time up to slaughter. 2 Modern technologies, however, involve chemical substances during all phases of production, inducing resistant microorganisms. Some consumption markets, such as Europe, have increased the search for alternative organic products.…”

Evaluación de tres dosis de un preparado microbiano, obtenido en Ecuador, en la respuesta productiva y sanitaria de cerdos en posdestete

“…Sin embargo, en la figura 2 se muestra que no hubo diferencias estadísticas entre los tratamientos para la mortalidad, aunque biológicamente se obtiene el menor porcentaje con los niveles 10 y 15 mL/kgPV y el mayor porcentaje con el control, lo que incide en la relación beneficio costo al tener menor cantidad de animales para la venta. Estos resultados son similares a los observados por autores como (6,35).…”

“…La aplicación de probióticos en la alimentación de cerdos ha permitido mejorar los indicadores. Los problemas fundamentales que se presentan con el uso de probióticos se centran en los altos precios de estos productos, la viabilidad de los microorganismos y la variabilidad de los resultados de su aplicación en los animales (6).…”

Potencial bioterapêutico dos probióticos nas parasitoses intestinais

“…A adição de quimioterápicos antimicrobianos na ração de aves de corte e de postura é considerada uma prática eficaz, tendo sido amplamente utilizada no Brasil e em diversas partes do mundo. No entanto, a presença de resíduos na carne e nos ovos e sua associação com a indução cruzada de resistência a antibióticos em bactérias patogênicas e a ocorrência de casos de reações de hipersensibilidade e de câncer motivaram uma pressão social para a interrupção dessa prática (FARIA-FILHO et al, 2006). Assim, as pesquisas sobre formas alternativas para incrementar a produtividade das aves têm sido consideradas uma prioridade, principalmente, no que se refere à utilização de probióticos (EDENS, 2003).…”