Thesis Abstract

Abstract
The poultry industry plays a crucial role in meeting the global demand for animal protein. However, maintaining the health and productivity of poultry flocks is a constant challenge for farmers. In recent years, there has been growing interest in the use of probiotics as a natural and sustainable solution to improve gut health in poultry. This research project aims to investigate the impact of probiotics on gut health in poultry farming, focusing on key aspects such as growth performance, immune response, and microbial balance within the gut. Chapter One provides an introduction to the study, presenting the background of the research, problem statement, objectives, limitations, scope, significance, structure of the thesis, and definition of key terms. The literature review in Chapter Two critically examines existing research on probiotics in poultry farming, covering topics such as the mechanisms of action, types of probiotics used, and reported effects on gut health. Chapter Three outlines the research methodology, detailing the experimental design, sample collection procedures, probiotic administration protocols, and data analysis methods. The findings of the study are presented and discussed in Chapter Four, highlighting the effects of probiotics on growth performance, immune parameters, and gut microbiota composition in poultry. The results indicate that probiotics can positively influence gut health in poultry by promoting beneficial microbial populations, enhancing nutrient absorption, and modulating immune responses. However, variations in probiotic strains, dosages, and application methods may impact the efficacy of these interventions. The implications of these findings for poultry production and future research directions are discussed. In conclusion, this study contributes to the growing body of knowledge on the use of probiotics in poultry farming and their potential to improve gut health and overall performance in poultry. By enhancing our understanding of the mechanisms underlying probiotic effects in poultry, this research provides valuable insights for farmers, veterinarians, and researchers seeking to optimize poultry health and productivity in a sustainable manner.

Thesis Overview

The project titled "Exploring the Impact of Probiotics on Gut Health in Poultry Farming" aims to investigate the potential benefits of probiotics in enhancing gut health in poultry farming. Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, offer various health benefits to the host. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in using probiotics as a natural alternative to antibiotics in poultry production to improve gut health, enhance growth performance, and reduce the incidence of diseases. The research will delve into the mechanisms through which probiotics exert their effects on the gut health of poultry. This will involve exploring how probiotics interact with the gut microbiota, modulate the immune response, improve nutrient absorption, and enhance the overall health and well-being of the birds. By understanding these mechanisms, the study aims to provide valuable insights into the potential use of probiotics as a sustainable and effective strategy to promote gut health in poultry farming. The project will involve conducting both in vitro and in vivo experiments to evaluate the efficacy of different probiotic strains in poultry. In vitro studies will focus on assessing the probiotic properties of selected strains, such as their ability to survive in the gastrointestinal tract, adhere to gut epithelial cells, and inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria. In vivo trials will be conducted to investigate the impact of probiotics on the gut microbiota composition, immune response, growth performance, and disease resistance in poultry. Furthermore, the research will explore the practical aspects of incorporating probiotics into poultry feed and the potential challenges associated with their use in commercial production systems. Factors such as dosage, timing of administration, feed formulation, and storage conditions will be considered to optimize the effectiveness of probiotics in improving gut health and overall performance of poultry flocks. Overall, this research project aims to contribute to the existing knowledge on the use of probiotics in poultry farming and provide evidence-based recommendations for integrating probiotic supplementation into poultry production practices. By elucidating the impact of probiotics on gut health in poultry, the study seeks to offer sustainable solutions to promote animal welfare, reduce the reliance on antibiotics, and enhance the productivity and profitability of poultry farming operations.