Thesis Abstract

Abstract
The poultry industry plays a crucial role in meeting the ever-increasing demand for animal protein globally. To ensure optimal growth and health of broiler chickens, maintaining a healthy gut microbiota is essential. Probiotics have gained significant attention as potential dietary supplements to improve gut health in broiler chickens. This study aimed to investigate the impact of probiotics on the gut microbiota of broiler chickens through a series of experiments and analyses. The research began with a comprehensive review of the existing literature on probiotics, gut microbiota, and poultry nutrition to establish a solid foundation for the study. Various probiotic strains, their mechanisms of action, and previous research findings were critically examined to identify gaps in knowledge and research opportunities. The methodology chapter outlines the experimental design, sample collection, probiotic administration protocols, and analytical techniques employed in this study. The research methodology included a controlled feeding trial with broiler chickens divided into experimental and control groups to assess the effects of probiotics on the gut microbiota composition and overall health parameters. Findings from the study revealed significant changes in the gut microbiota of broiler chickens following probiotic supplementation. The analysis of microbial diversity, species richness, and key bacterial populations showed a positive modulation of the gut microbiota composition in probiotic-treated birds compared to the control group. Additionally, improvements in growth performance, feed efficiency, and nutrient utilization were observed in broiler chickens receiving probiotics. The discussion chapter provides a detailed interpretation of the results, comparing them with previous research findings and discussing the implications of the study. The mechanisms through which probiotics influence the gut microbiota and promote poultry health are elucidated, highlighting the potential benefits of probiotic supplementation in commercial broiler production. In conclusion, this study contributes valuable insights into the impact of probiotics on the gut microbiota of broiler chickens. The findings support the use of probiotics as a promising strategy to enhance gut health, improve growth performance, and optimize nutrient utilization in broiler production systems. The potential applications of probiotics in promoting sustainable poultry farming practices are discussed, emphasizing the significance of gut microbiota modulation for overall bird health and welfare. Overall, this research underscores the importance of probiotics in poultry nutrition and opens new avenues for further investigation into the intricate relationship between probiotics, gut microbiota, and broiler chicken health. Keywords Probiotics, Gut Microbiota, Broiler Chickens, Poultry Nutrition, Growth Performance, Microbial Diversity.

Thesis Overview

The project titled "The impact of probiotics on the gut microbiota of broiler chickens" aims to investigate the effects of probiotics on the gut microbiota composition of broiler chickens. Broiler chickens are commonly raised for meat production, and maintaining their gut health is essential for overall well-being and productivity. Probiotics are live microorganisms that can confer health benefits when consumed in adequate amounts. In recent years, there has been growing interest in using probiotics as a natural alternative to antibiotics in poultry production to promote gut health and improve performance. The research will delve into the interaction between probiotics and the gut microbiota of broiler chickens, exploring how probiotics influence the diversity and composition of microbial communities in the chicken gut. By administering specific strains of probiotics to broiler chickens and analyzing changes in the gut microbiota through advanced sequencing techniques, the project aims to elucidate the mechanisms by which probiotics exert their beneficial effects on gut health. Key aspects to be addressed in the research include the identification of specific probiotic strains that are most effective in modulating the gut microbiota of broiler chickens, the impact of probiotics on the overall health and growth performance of the birds, and any potential synergistic effects of probiotics when used in combination with other management practices. Furthermore, the study will investigate the potential of probiotics to enhance immune function, reduce pathogen colonization, and improve nutrient utilization in broiler chickens. Understanding how probiotics influence the gut microbiota of broiler chickens is crucial for developing sustainable and effective strategies to promote animal health and welfare while reducing the reliance on antibiotics in poultry production. Overall, this research project holds significant implications for the poultry industry by providing valuable insights into the use of probiotics as a natural approach to maintaining gut health and optimizing the performance of broiler chickens. The findings from this study have the potential to inform decision-making processes in poultry farming practices, contributing to the development of more sustainable and environmentally friendly animal production systems.