Growth of the intestinal anaerobes in the newly hatched chicks according to the feeding and providing with normal gut flora

In order to examine dynamics of the growth of anaerobic flora in large intestines of newly hatched chicks three experimental groups were formed. The first group of the birds received no feed for 60 h, the second one had a free access to a standard feed, and the chicks of the third group, besides the feeding, were individually provided per os with 1 dose of a preparation containing the normal gut flora (NGF). lt was demonstrated that feeding and treatment with the NGF preparation had a positive effect on the colonization and growth of the anaerobie flora in large intestines. The highest concentration of anaerobes (10⁸ CFU/g of the intestinal content) after 12, 36 and 60 h was found in large intestines of the birds receiving feed and NGF preparation. Treatment of the newly hatched chicks with a determined and specific intestinal flora acts as a physical and physiological barrier limiting the colonizing action of undesired and pathogenic bacteria.