Alternative to Antibiotic Growth Promoters

Antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) are utilized extensively in the field of animal feed; however, because of the risk of antimicrobial resistance, regulations on AGPs are being tightened, making it crucial to research and develop safe and effective alternatives. Probiotics are promising alternatives to AGPs, and studies have indicated their potential to enhance poultry growth performance. However, they are not cost-effective because of their inability to adequately resist acid and colonize the gut, resulting in the loss of viable cells. This study examined the impact of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum strains on acid resistance and genetic factors that colonize the intestinal tract. The results of the Basic Local Alignment Search Tool search indicated the presence of the glutamate decarboxylase gene and the elongation factor Tu gene in three strains which are factors of acid resistance and colonization of the intestine, respectively.