Effect of feeding Pediococcus acidilactici on performance of broiler chicken and microstructures of intestinal villus

The effect of feeding encapsulated and non-encapsulated Pediococcus acidilactici on body weight gain, feed conversion efficiency, meat quality and ultra structural changes of intestinal (ileum) villus in commercial male broiler chicks was evaluated. Group 1 (Control) was fed with feed without supplementation of any probiotic organism, Group 2 was fed with non-encapsulated P. acidilactici (NEPA) @ 10⁶ cfu/g supplemented diets. Groups 3 and 4 were fed with low and high level of encapsulated Pediococcus acidilactici diets (EPAL and EPAH) @ 10⁶ cfu/g and 10⁹ cfu/g, respectively. The body weight gain during the (0–3) and (0–6) week in the control group was significantly (P<0.05) lower than NEPA, EPAL and EPAH groups. EPAL and EPAH groups showed significantly (P<0.05) better feed conversion ratio (FCR) compared to control group at the end of 3^rd and 6^th week. The sensory evaluation scores of meat revealed a significant (P<0.05) improvement in juiciness, tenderness and overall acceptance in probiotic fed broilers compared to control group. The Scanning Electron Microscopy of ileum revealed increased villus width and length (area) in EPAH group compared to all other groups (Control, NEPA and EPAL). However, NEPA and EPAL fed chicks have higher villus area compared to control group. An excellent adhesion of Pediococcus acidilactici on intestinal walls was seen in EPAL and EPAH birds compared to control and NEPA group. Encapsulated Pediococcus acidilactici enhanced the colonization and adhesion of probiotics on the surface of intestines besides increasing the density, length and width of intestinal villus resulting in better performance and meat quality in broilers.