Discovery of Novel Probiotic Strain L33 Shows Potential for Poultry Farming

Researchers at the National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology in Tehran, Iran have isolated a novel probiotic strain, L33, from the gut of broiler chickens. This discovery has significant implications for the poultry farming industry, offering a natural and safe alternative to antibiotics in improving animal health, productivity, and food safety.

Key Takeaways:

• The probiotic strain L33, obtained from the gut of broiler chickens, has been identified as a potential candidate for further research and development as a novel probiotic for poultry applications.
• The strain's genome reveals genes linked to established probiotic functionalities, including stress tolerance, gut adhesion, and antimicrobial activity, including salivaricin, a potent antimicrobial compound.
• The study characterizes the probiotic potential of L33 through genomic and functional analyses, highlighting its promise as a natural, safe alternative to antibiotics in poultry production.
• The research concludes that further development of this strain could enhance animal health, productivity, and food safety, offering economic and public health benefits.
• The study involved a series of tests to assess the probiotic characteristics of L33, including resistance to simulated digestive conditions, lack of hemolytic activity, adherence ability to intestinal surfaces, antibiotic susceptibility, and antimicrobial activity.
• The whole-genome sequencing of L33 revealed 1,870 genes encoding 1,797 proteins, with 111 unique genes identified in critical cellular functions such as replication, repair, and defense mechanisms.

Statistics:

• 1,870 genes encoding 1,797 proteins were identified in the whole-genome sequencing of L33.
• 111 unique genes were identified in critical cellular functions such as replication, repair, and defense mechanisms.
• The strain's genome harbored a bacteriocin gene encoding salivaricin, a potent antimicrobial compound.
• The duration of the study is not specified.

Sources:

• Whole-genome analysis of Ligilactobacillus salivarius L33, a potential probiotic strain isolated from chicken gastrointestinal tract. Microbiology Spectrum, 2025.
• National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Tehran, Iran.
• American Society for Microbiology, 1752 N St NW, Washington, DC 20036-2904, USA.
• Sahar Mahmoodian, Dept. of Animal Biotechnology, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Tehran, Iran.