Pediococcus acidilactici improves energy metabolism in laying hens

New data presented at the European Symposium on Poultry Nutrition (ESPN) contributes to our understanding of the mode of action of P. acidilactici in the poultry gut, indicating the probiotic – already well documented to enhance feed efficiency and performance in laying hens – also plays a role in energy metabolism.

Proof of concept study

An innovative trial done in Olzstyn University showed a positive effect of P. acidilactici on feed digestion (Mikulski et al., 2019). This trial studied the effect of nutrient density, testing a reduction of 100 kcal/kg energy density, and Pediococcus acidilactici MA18/5M supplementation on layer performance. The zootechnical results indicate dietary supplementation with P. acidilactici tends to compensate for the effect of energy dilution on performance. These data are align with other results across various conditions. According to a compilation of 24 studies, P. acidilactici MA18/5M has been identified to be effective in increasing egg production by 3% and reducing the feed conversion rate by -2.7% (Demey, 2018).

A 4-ways action

Taken together, the modes of action of this unique probiotic, and its potential to improve energy digestion and save metabolic cost can be summarized into FOUR main axis:

1. Optimizing carbohydrates digestion
2. Balancing the gut microflora
3. Enhancing the gut maturity
4. Modulating the inflammation

Practical implications

The new findings about P. acidilactici MA18/5M digestibility are another tool to manage formula cost for poultry production. Laying hens will extract more energy from the feed and will use it to increase laying rate or feed efficiency. Nutritionists have two options:

1. Use the probiotic on top of the formula to improve overall zootechnical performances
2. Use P. acidilactici MA18/5M to reduce the cost of energetic raw material and benefit from its probiotics effects.

In both cases, the probiotic will have a positive impact on the balance of the gut microflora, with positive benefits on animal health and preserve its potential of production.