Effects of bacteriocin and organic acid on growth performance, small intestine histomorphology and microbiology in Japanese quails with microorganism count in feed

In this study, effetcs of bacteriocin and organic acid supplementation on growth performance, small intestine microflora and histomorphology in Japanese quails with growth of Listeria monocytogenes contaminated to feed were investigated. 600 one day-old Japanese quail chicks (Coturnix coturnix japonica) were allocated to 6 groups each with 5 replicates including control, 150 mg/kg bacteriocin (nisin), 300 mg/kg bacteriocin, 3 g/kg organic acid mix, 150 mg/kg bacteriocin+3 g/kg organic acid mix and 300 mg/kg bacteriocin+3 g/kg organic acid mix group. Each replicates containing 20 chicks. The trial was lasted in 35 days. During the trial, water and feed were given as ad-libitum to chicks. Listeria monocytogenes cultures were added by spraying on feed samples in sterile bags and were counted by inoculating onto agars at 0, 7, 15, 21 and 28 days. At the end of the trial; statistically increase was not observed in performance parameters of chicks with feed additives. However, 300 mg/kg bacteriocin + 3 g/kg organic acid supplementation giving together have been found to be more positive effects on intestinal microbiology, histomorphology and Listeria monocytogenes contamination in feed (P<0.05). Consequently, it is understood that use of these feed additives together will achieve better results. However, it is needed more study on this issue because of there is no adequate studies on the subject.