Effect of Diet on Adhesion and Invasion of Microflora in the Intestinal Mucosa of Chicks 1 2

Summary

Compared to chicks fed a diet containing corn, those fed a diet containing rye showed significantly lower growth that was ameliorated by antibiotic supplement to the diet. Adhesion of aerobes (excluding coliforms) and anaerobes to the intestinal wall was indicated in the chicks fed the diet containing rye which was reduced by penicillin supplementation. There was no mortality in chicks fed diets containing corn or rye, whereas the poorest growth and a very high mortality resulted in chicks fed diets containing raw beans. Such adverse effects were alleviated by dietary antibiotic supplement. High numbers of aerobes, mainly coliforms, were found adhered to the mucosal wall of the chicks fed diets containing raw beans, and E. coli and S. fecalis organisms were isolated from their kidneys. Autoclaving the beans greatly improved growth, reduced mortality, and caused no adhesion of intestinal aerobes to the mucosal wall. A penicillin supplement to the diet resulted in further improvement of growth and reduction of mortality.