EFFECT OF A CHITOSAN (BOMBYX MORI)–BASED HYDROXYAPATITE COMPOSITE ON THE NUMBER OF LACTO- AND BIFIDOBACTERIA IN THE INTESTINAL MICROFLORA OF ROSS-308 BROILER CHICKS

Abstract

This study evaluated the effect of a hydroxyapatite composite synthesized on the basis of chitosan obtained from Bombyx mori silkworms on the intestinal microbiocenosis of Ross-308 broiler chicks. Under poultry farm conditions, the dynamics of beneficial intestinal microflora indicators—lactobacilli and bifidobacteria (total lacto-bifido group)—were investigated when the additive was included in the diet at doses of 0.4, 0.7, and 1.0 g/kg. The results demonstrated that the chitosan–hydroxyapatite composite biologically supports intestinal microecology, stabilizes populations of beneficial microorganisms, and shows promise as an alternative feed additive to antibiotics. The highest microbiocenotic efficiency was observed at a dose of 0.7 g/kg. The findings are consistent with contemporary concepts regarding the ability of chitosan and its composites to modulate digestive functions and immune responses in animals.