Studies were carried out to isolate and identify microorganisms for probiotic use for chickens. Selection of strains included various criteria such as agreement with bio-safety aspects, viability during storage, tolerance to low pH/ gastric juice, bile, and antimicrobial activity. The strains were isolated from the crop, proventriculus, gizzard, ileum and caeca of chicken. Decimal dilution of the contents of these segments were mixed with MRS medium and incubated for 48 h at 37°C under anaerobiosis. The identity of the culture was based on characteristics of lactobacilli as presented in the Bergeys Manual of Determinative Bacteriology, carrying out bacterioscopy (morphology), Gram stain, growth at 15 and 45°C, and fermentation of different carbon sources.... |