LAUSR

BACKGROUND Probiotics and prebiotics are widely used as natural feed additives in the nutrition of farm animals, including poultry. The using of this type of preparations has a positive effect on animal welfare, human health and the environment. High potential is attributed to preparations combining probiotics and prebiotics, called synbiotics. The aim of the research was to confirm the beneficial effects of synbiotics on turkey's performance and the number of dominant intestinal microbiota. In addition, we also investigated the concentration of organic acids (lactic acid, fatty acids: short chain - SCFA and branched chain - BCFA) in the excreta of turkeys. RESULTS The synbiotic supplementation of turkey's caused statistically significant (P < 0.05) differences in body weight of animals and European Production Efficiency Factor (EPEF) compared to control group after 15 weeks of rearing. The administration of the synbiotics resulted in a significant (P < 0.05) reduction in the count of potential pathogens (Clostridium spp., Clostridium coccoides and Escherichia coli), while a significant (P < 0.05) increase in the count of beneficial microorganisms (lactobacilli and Bifidobacterium spp.) in the excreta of turkeys. Result of the synbiotic supplementation, the SCFAs and lactic acid concentration were significantly (P < 0.05) increased, while the BCFAs concentration were decreased. CONLUSION The results showed a beneficial influence of the synbiotics on the animal's performance, the dominant intestinal microbiota, and the fatty acids profile in the excreta of turkeys. The developed synbiotics can be effectively used in turkey's nutrition. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.