The effect of bacteriophages against avian pathogenic Escherichia coli on productive performance, carcass characteristics and certain blood parameters in broiler chicken

Abstract

Introduction: This study aimed to investigate the effect of anti-Escherichia coli bacteriophages
on production performance, carcass characteristics and some blood parameters in broiler
chickens.
Materials & Methods: A total number of 168 one-day-old Ross 308 chicks were used to
examine the effects of 7 experimental treatments in 4 replicates of 10 birds each. Experimental
treatments include oral inoculation of 1 ml of bacteriophage TMU1, TMU2, and their mixtures,
intramuscular injection of 1 ml of bacteriophage TMU1, intramuscular injection of 0.5 ml of
bacteriophage TMU2, intramuscular injection of 0.5 ml of a mixture of bacteriophages TMU1
and TMU1. The control group received oral gavageing and injection of culture medium without
bacteriophage.
Results: Serum calcium concentration were higher in the birds injected with TMU1
bacteriophage and mixed bacteriophages. Serum concentration of free fatty acids was greater
in the birds receiving TMU1 bacteriophage than those injected with TMU2 bacteriophage. The
mean concentration of high-density lipoproteins was elevated in in the birds injected with the
mixture of bacteriophages compared with those fed with the same treatment. Hepatic aspartate
aminotransferase activity was 23.90% lower in the chickens injected with TMU2 bacteriophage
than control birds.
Conclusion: It was concluded that oral inoculation and intramuscular injection of pathogenic
anti-Escherichia coli bacteriophages into healthy birds exhibited no effect on growth
performance and carcass components percentage. However, it may provide certain benefits
towards birds health indicated by reduced liver enzymes activity.