Vol. 10, Issue 10, Part C (2025)

Author(s): Mohammed J Hassan and Firas H Al-Bawi

Abstract: This study investigated the potential of dietary bacteriophage supplementation as an alternative to antibiotics in broiler chickens experimentally challenged with Salmonella pullorum. A total of 250 one-day-old Ross 308 chicks were divided into five groups: G1 (vaccination plus bacteriophage), G2 (vaccination plus florfenicol), G3 (bacteriophage post-challenge), G4 (challenged control), and G5 (negative control). Performance parameters, mortality rates, antibody titers, and Histopathological changes were assessed. Results showed that bacteriophage-treated groups (G1 and G3) achieved significantly higher body weights and lower mortality compared to antibiotic-treated and challenged controls. Moreover, bacteriophage supplementation markedly enhanced antibody responses against Newcastle disease and infectious bronchitis. Histopathological findings further revealed improved intestinal architecture in phage-treated groups relative to florfenicol and challenged controls. Overall, the results highlight that bacteriophage supplementation, either prophylactically or therapeutically, offers effective protection against S. pullorum while improving immunity and gut health. These findings support bacteriophages as a sustainable alternative to antibiotics for controlling bacterial infections in poultry production.

DOI: 10.22271/veterinary.2025.v10.i10c.2631