Evaluation of probiotics as feed supplements for ostrich chicks

Production in farming of ostriches (Struthio camelus) is limited by the high mortality rate of ostrich chicks. Chicks which lack a well established microbiota are more susceptible to potentially fatal pathogenic infections. Therefore, the mortality rate may be decreased by establishing the correct gut microbiota by the use of ostrich specific probiotic strains. Five selected strains were conclusively identified and their mucin adhesion abilities characterised: Strain P1.2 was identified as Enterococcus faecalis; the identity of strain 5934.3.1 was confirmed to be Lactobacillus oris; Strains Lactobacillus brevis 512.3.1 and Lactobacillus oris 5934.3.1. The five selected strains were included in an in vivo probiotic feeding trial, where ostriches were treated with an encapsulated mixture of the five strains and/or the antibiotic tylosin.

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

Department of Molecular and Cell Biology

Year dc:date.issued

2010

Author dc:creator

• Greenhill, Nikita

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Reid, Sharon J

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/11427/10521

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:open.uct.ac.za:11427/10521