Enterococcus faecium E297 in the Diet of Chickens: Effects on Zootechnical Performance, Animal Health and Meat Quality

Abstract

This study evaluated the potential of Enterococcus faecium E297 as a functional dietary supplement for broiler chickens, assessing its effects on zootechnical performance, immune response, and meat quality. A total of 224 chicks were allocated to four treatments: a control diet, a diet containing an antibiotic growth promoter, a diet supplemented with E. faecium E297, and a commercial probiotic diet. Probiotic supplementation improved feed conversion and weight gain and increased leukocyte counts compared with the control group. Birds fed E. faecium E297 showed a higher villus-to-crypt ratio, suggesting greater nutrient absorption efficiency. Meat from probiotic-supplemented groups exhibited lower fat content and higher protein levels. No significant differences (P > 0.05) were observed in microbial counts of the litter, cloaca, or feces throughout the experimental period. The results indicate that E. faecium E297 has potential as an effective probiotic alternative to antibiotic growth promoters in poultry production.