Effects of Lactobacillus paracasei LK01 on performance, egg quality, antioxidant capacity, immunity and intestinal health of laying hens

This study evaluates the effects of dietary supplementation with Lactobacillus paracasei LK01 on production performance, egg quality, serum biochemical parameters, antioxidant capacity, inflammatory factors, intestinal digestive enzyme activities, and cecal microbiota in laying hens. The objective was to determine the optimal supplementation level for improving hen health and productivity. A total of 288 healthy Jinghong No. 1 laying hens, aged 20 weeks, with uniform body weight and egg production rates, were randomly assigned to four groups using stratified randomization, with four replicates per group and 18 hens per replicate. The groups included a control group (CON) fed a basal diet and three treatment groups receiving the basal diet supplemented with 10^6 (LLP), 10^7 (MLP), and 10^8 (HLP) CFU/kg of L. paracasei LK01, respectively. The trial consisted of a 1-week adaptation period followed by an 8-week experimental period. Cecal contents were collected for 16S rRNA gene sequencing targeting the V3-V4 region using the Illumina MiSeq platform to assess microbial community changes. The study aims to provide insights into the role of probiotics in modulating gut microbiota and enhancing poultry health and egg production efficiency. The data will contribute to optimizing probiotic use in poultry farming.