Effects of different lactic acid bacteria on growth performance, serum biochemical indexes, and fecal flora of Zi geese

This study evaluated the effects of two lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains on Zi geese. Ninety 28-day-old healthy Zi geese were randomly divided into three groups (n=30/group), with three replicates (pens) per group and 10 geese (5 males, 5 females) per pen. The control group (CON) received a basal diet. Experimental groups received the basal diet supplemented with 10⁹ CFU/kg Lactobacillus plantarum (LAC) or 10⁹ CFU/kg Pediococcus acidilactici B2 (PED). The trial included a 7-day pre-test and 28-day test period. The pen served as the experimental unit. Data were analysed by one-way ANOVA using SPSS; significant differences (P<0.05) between treatment means were determined by Duncan's test. Compared to CON, the PED group significantly increased average daily gain (ADG) (P<0.05), while the LAC group showed a non-significant increase (P>0.05). Both LAC and PED significantly reduced the feed-to-gain ratio (F/G) (P<0.05 and P<0.01, respectively). Serum urea content was significantly decreased in both LAC (P<0.05) and PED (P<0.01). Serum alkaline phosphatase activity was significantly decreased in both groups (P<0.05). Fecal lactic acid bacteria counts (MRS agar) significantly increased in both LAC (P<0.05) and PED (P<0.01). Fecal Escherichia coli (MacConkey agar) and Salmonella (SS agar) counts significantly decreased in both groups (P<0.05 and P<0.01, respectively). The PED group generally exhibited more pronounced effects than the LAC group. Dietary supplementation with L. plantarum and P. acidilactici B2, particularly the latter, improved growth performance, modulated serum biochemistry, and enhanced the fecal microflora profile in Zi geese.