Treatment by microorganisms

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to methods, compositions, and uses of Bacillus strains to provide benefits in terms of body weight, adjusted feed conversion, and / or average daily weight gain in poultry. In particular, the present disclosure provides methods for providing Bacillus strain 747.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The colonization of beneficial bacteria in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract of newly hatched poultry can be beneficial to the bird throughout its life (Ballou et al. (2016), Development of the chick microbiome: How early exposure influences future microbial diversity. Front. Vet. Sci. 3, 2.). Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) can play an important role in digestion and nutrient absorption, detoxification, and promoting mucosal status for immunological protection (Oakley and Kogut (2016), Spatial and temporal changes in the broiler chicken cecal and fecal microbiomes and correlations of bacterial taxa with cytokine gene expression. Front. Vet. Sci. 3, 11). Compositions and methods for colonizing LAB in the GI of poultry are known in the art (see, for example, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017 / 0333496).

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0002] The present disclosure relates to methods, compositions, and the use of LAB for providing benefits to poultry with respect to body weight, adjusted feed conversion, and / or average daily weight gain. In particular, the present disclosure provides a method of providing the Bacillus strain 747 (commercially available as Correlink™ ABS-747, Elanco Inc., Greenfield IN, USA).

[0003] The present disclosure provides a method for improving the average daily weight gain (ADWG) of broiler chicks through the ingestion of feed containing Bacillus strain 747. For example, the ADWG may be improved by 3% or more, 4% or more, 5% or more.

[0004] The present disclosure provides a method for improving the average daily live weight gain (ADLWG) of broiler chicks through the ingestion of Bacillus strain 747. For example, the ADLWG may be improved by 1% or more, 2% or more, 3% or more.

[0005] The present disclosure provides a method for improving the feed conversion efficiency (FCE) of broiler chicks through the ingestion of Bacillus strain 747. For example, the FCE may be improved by 4% or more, 5% or more, 6% or more, 7% or more, 8% or more, 9% or more.

[0006] The present disclosure provides a method for improving the feed conversion ratio (FCR) of broiler chicks through the ingestion of Bacillus strain 747. For example, the FCR may be improved up to -3% or less, -4% or less, -5% or less, -6% or less, -7% or less, -8% or less.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] All citations are incorporated herein by reference as if each individual publication was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated herein by reference and as if it were fully described herein. The citation of references herein should not be construed or deemed to admit that such references are prior art to the present invention.

[0008] One or more presently preferred embodiments of the invention are described by way of example. The invention, as substantially described above, includes all embodiments, modifications, and variations, with reference to the examples and drawings. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that some changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims. Examples of such modifications include replacing any aspect of the invention with known equivalents in substantially the same manner to achieve the same result.

[0009] A study was conducted to evaluate the effect of Correlink™ ABS-747 Bacillus subtilis on the body weight, adjusted feed conversion, and average daily live weight gain of male broilers reared for up to 42 days under standard commercial poultry management practices.

[0010] A total of 576 one-day-old male broiler chicks (Ross 308) were randomly assigned to cages on test day (SD) 0. This was followed by three test periods: starting period I (SD0 - 11); growing period II (SD11 - 25); finishing period III (SD25 - 42). During the test periods, the animals were fed a treated diet to administer T1 control (a basal diet of wheat, soybean meal, and barley) or T2 (basal diet plus 1.5×10 5 CFU of Correlink™ ABS-747 Bacillus subtilis per gram of the final feed).

[0011] The birds were housed in floor pens in a single environmentally controlled room. The treatment groups were evenly assigned to the pens using a randomization scheme. Pen numbers (1 to 96) were used during the test. Each treatment consisted of 24 replicates of 12 birds with similar weights. During each test period, the birds had free access to the treated feed and water.

[0012] Bird weights (pen weights) were measured and recorded at SD0, 11, 25, 35, and 42. The feed supplied and subtracted was recorded for each feeding period. The general health, mortality, and environmental temperature of the birds were recorded daily.

[0013] For the target performance variables for each feeding period and overall, the average live weight, the average daily weight gain adjusted for mortality (ADWG), the average daily live weight gain (ADLWG), the average daily feed intake (ADFI), the ratio of gain to feed (feed conversion efficiency: FCE), and the ratio of feed to gain (feed conversion ratio: FCR) were included.

[0014] The nutrient composition of all experimental diets and the content of Correlink™ ABS-747 Bacillus subtilis were within the predicted ranges. Throughout the trial, the birds remained in good condition. The overall mortality (including culling) was low (2.9%). During the trial period (from SD0 to 35), broilers fed diets supplemented with T2-Correlink™ ABS-747 Bacillus subtilis were 7.1% heavier and had a 5.0% increase in ADWG compared to the T1 control (Summary Table 1). Since ADFI was 4.2% lower in the T2-Correlink™ ABS747 group compared to the T1 control group (P<0.05), an improvement in FCE of 9.6% or FCR of -8.7% was induced. A similar weight improvement was observed throughout the entire trial period (from SD0 to 42), and broilers fed diets supplemented with T2-Correlink™ ABS-747 Bacillus subtilis were 6.3% heavier and had 4.1% more ADLWG compared to the T1 control (Summary Table 2). However, it is noted that since ADFI increased by 4.1% in the T2-Correlink™ ABS747 group compared to the T1 control group during this period (P<0.05), there was no significant difference between treatments in FCE or FCR throughout the entire trial period (P>0.05).

[0015]

Table 1

[0016]

Table 2

[0017] A total of 576 one-day-old male broiler chicks (Ross 308) were randomly allotted to cages on test day (SD) 0. Three test periods were then continued: starting period I (SD0 - 11); growing period II (SD11 - 25); finishing period III (SD25 - 42). During the test periods, the animals were fed either a T1 control (a basal diet of wheat, soybean meal, and barley) or T2 (the basal diet plus Correlink™ ABS - 747 Bacillus subtilis 1.5×10 5 CFU per gram of the final feed) by being supplied with the treated feed.

[0018] The birds were housed in floor pens in a single environmentally controlled room. The treatment groups were evenly allotted to the pens using a randomization scheme. Pen numbers (from 1 to 96) were used during the test. Each treatment consisted of 24 replicates of 12 birds with similar weights. During each test period, the birds had free access to the treated feed and water.

[0019] Bird weights (pen weights) were measured and recorded at SD0, 11, 25, 35, and 42. During the collection period, the average daily pen weight gain, average daily feed intake, as well as feed conversion ratio and efficiency were calculated. The general health status, mortality, and environmental temperature of the birds were recorded daily. The experimental unit was the pen. Statistical evaluation was performed using ANOVA, with significance set at P ≤ 0.05 and a significant trend at P ≤ 0.1. For each feeding period and overall, the performance variables of interest included body weight, average daily live weight gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), feed conversion efficiency (FCE), feed conversion ratio (FCR) (adjusted and unadjusted for mortality), and mortality due to treatment.

[0020] The details of the prototype premix supplied by Church & Dwight are shown in Table 3.

[0021]

Table 3

[0022] The birds were housed in floor pens in a single environmentally controlled room. Treatment groups were evenly assigned to the pens using a randomization scheme. Pen numbers (1 to 96) were used during the trial. Each treatment consisted of 24 replicates of 12 birds of similar weight. During each test period, the birds had free access to the treatment feed and water.

[0023] Animal: Broiler, Initial age: 1 day Breed / Strain: Ross 308, Vaccination: IB (administered at hatchery) Sex: Male, Initial weight: approximately 0.040 kg Origin: P D Hook (hatcheries) Ltd, Final age: 42 days Physical condition: Healthy at the start of the trial, Final weight: approximately 3.023 kg

[0024] The experimental treatments are shown in Table 4.

[0025]

Table 4

[0026] Upon arrival, the chicks were examined by a named Animal Care and Welfare Officer (NACWO) for signs of ill - health. All unhealthy chicks were removed and not used in the trial. Healthy chicks were randomly assigned to pens. These birds were placed in containers to obtain the pen weight and then placed in the assigned floor pens. This procedure was repeated until all pens were full. To minimize differences in initial pen weights between treatments, mean pen weights and mean / bird statistical checks were performed for each treatment while birds were being assigned to pens. If differences were found, birds were swapped to correct the imbalance and pen weights were collected.

[0027] The description of the test period and the test plan are shown in Table 5 and Table 6 respectively.

[0028]

Table 5

[0029]

Table 6

[0030] One-day-old male broilers pre-separated by sex (about 1000 birds, 576 healthy birds were selected from them for the test) were purchased from a commercial hatchery (PD Hook, Thirsk, Dalton, UK). Only healthy chicks were randomly assigned to the test cages and the uniformity of body weight was examined.

[0031] The birds were managed as described below from SD0 to 42 days of age.

[0032]

Table 7

[0033] Ammonia was monitored weekly from SD21 (as necessary, determined by experienced stock personnel before this point) and recorded in the ammonia level recording form according to SRUC SOP RD / MSRC / 008. Before use, the rooms, cages, and equipment were thoroughly pressure-washed and properly disinfected according to the on-site procedures. The reused litter was used from clinically healthy birds that had not been treated with any agents. The rooms and cages where the birds were maintained were uniquely labeled and the details were retained in the test files. The number of birds in the cage was maintained on the cage label.

[0034] The diet did not contain antibiotics, anticoccidials, and growth promoters. The basal diet was calculated to have the same nutrients and met the nutritional requirements recommended for broilers. The variables of diet ingredients, premixes, and nutritional composition analysis are shown in Table 7. The diets for the entire period (starter phase I, grower phase II, and finisher phase III) were fed to the birds as mash.

[0035]

Table 8

[0036] All experimental diets were analyzed analytically for the variables listed in Table 8.

[0037]

Table 9

[0038] Mash diets for each phase (starter phase I, grower phase II, and finisher phase III) were manufactured by Target Feeds Ltd. To confirm that the nutrient contents of the test diets and the control diet were the same, a master basal diet containing all the ingredients for each phase was manufactured. All experimental diets were prepared without including antibiotics, anticoccidials, growth promoters, enzyme additives, and probiotics (other than the test items), and analyzed for nutrient uniformity according to the Association of Official Analytical Communities (AOAC, 2000) or other appropriate methods. The quality of the feed was inspected using the results of the proximate analysis (nutrient composition).

[0039] From each batch (starter phase I, grower phase II, and finisher phase III), a control diet and two test diets were prepared. The test product premix was incorporated as described in Treatment Application (10.2). The diets containing Correlink™ ABS-747 and Correlink™ ABS-1781 were designated as T2 and T3, respectively. The control diet (T1) did not contain the test product. Following the preparation of the stepwise premix, the basal diet and the final premix were mixed in a stainless-steel horizontal ribbon blender (Alvan Blanch) for approximately 8 - 10 minutes. All control diets (T1) were mixed before the test diets (T2 and T3), and the blender was flushed with wheat between the test diets.

[0040] The test products (premix of Correlink™ ABS-747 and Correlink™ ABS-1781) and the test diets were stored at ambient temperature in the test facility.

[0041] For each of the diet periods (starting period I, growing period II, and finishing period III), the Correlink™ premix was added to the basal diet batch to achieve a target of 1.5×10 5 CFU / g final feed. The incorporation rate calculated from the certificate of analysis was 250 g / 1000 kg for the Correlink™ ABS747 prototype premix.

[0042] To ensure proper uniformity, a stepwise premix was prepared to contain 5% or more at each step. The prototype premix was first mixed with wheat and then with a series of small amounts of the basal diet before being mixed into the relevant final diet.

[0043] Bird weights (cage weights) were measured and recorded at SD0, 11, 25, 35, and 42 as follows. All cage weights were recorded in the "Record of Weights of Grouped Birds" (Appendix 8). Weighing was done at SD0 before feeding the test diet, before changing the diet at SD11 and 25, and before re-supplying the feed at SD35.

[0044] Unexpected bird weights included the stopping weights of birds that had died or been euthanized and were recorded on the day the birds were removed from the cage.

[0045] The test diet was fed to all treatment groups for 3 periods. The starting diet (period I) was provided from SD0 to 11, the growing diet (period II) from SD11 to 25, and the finishing diet (period III) from SD25 to 42.

[0046] Each of the diets from period 1 to 3 was fed to 24 replicate cages. The birds were fed ad libitum. The amounts of feed consumed from SD0 to 11 and from 11 to 25 were recorded for each of periods 1 and 2, and from 25 to 35 and from 35 to 42 for period 3. To ensure that fresh feed was always freely available, the weighed feed was added to the feeders as needed. The feed was recorded at the time of addition. The depth of the feed at the edge of each feeder was kept low to avoid losses. Feed intakes were measured and recorded.

[0047] Feed deductions were performed at SD11, 25, 35, and 42, recorded per cage, and recorded in the feed deduction format of the test record book.

[0048] At least 80% power was supplied to 24 replicates per treatment group. Assuming a standard deviation of 0.08 at alpha = 0.05, a two-sided t-test was used to detect three-point differences in feed conversion between the broiler control (1.653) and treatment (1.603) over 42 days. No adjustment for multiple comparisons was made.

[0049] Animal performance parameters including average live weight at each time point, average daily live weight gain (ADLWG), average daily weight gain adjusted for mortality (ADWG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), FCE, and FCR (adjusted and unadjusted for mortality), each test period (0 - 11, 11 - 25, 25 - 42 days), and mortality and bird survival days for 25 - 35, 35 - 42, 0 - 35, and 0 - 42 days were considered primary parameters.

[0050] Variable calculations were performed in relation to periods, which were defined as follows: starting period I (0 - 11 days), growing period II (11 - 25 days), and finishing period III (25 - 42 days), weight measurement points 25 - 35 and 35 - 42 days, and the whole period (0 to 35) and (0 - 42 days).

[0051] Performance variables were average live weight at each time point, average daily live weight gain (ADLWG), average daily weight gain adjusted for mortality (ADWG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), FCE, and FCR (adjusted and unadjusted for mortality), and mortality and bird survival days were calculated and evaluated for each test period (0 - 11, 11 - 25 days and 25 - 42 days), and for 25 - 35, 35 - 42, 0 - 35 and 0 - 42.

[0052] Table 9 contains the equations used for the calculation of performance variables.

[0053]

Table 10

[0054] All the health abnormalities are summarized and shown in Tables 10a and 10b.

[0055] [Table 11]

[0056] [Table 12]

[0057] The summary of the analysis results of the mortality rate is shown in Table 11. The mortality rate from 0 to 35 days tended to be lower in the T2-Correlink (trademark) ABS747 group compared with the T1 control group (1.39 vs. 3.82%; P = 0.0856). On the other hand, no significant difference was observed during the treatments in SD0 - 11 (starting period), SD11 - 25 (growing period), SD25 - 42 (finishing period), and the entire test period (SD0 - 42) (P > 0.05).

[0058] [Table 13]

[0059] The summary of the analysis results of the number of bird days / cage is shown in Table 12. The number of bird days indicating the survival rate of birds was significantly higher in the T2 Correlink™ ABS747 group than in the T1 control group at 35 - 42 days of the test (+2.6%; 82.75 vs. 80.63 days; P = 0.0421) and at 0 - 42 days of the test (+1.3%; 501.0 vs. 494.54 days; P = 0.0386). Furthermore, the number of bird days tended to be higher in the T2 Correlink™ ABS747 group than in the T1 control group at 11 - 25 days of the test (+1.2%; 167.58 vs. 165.67; P = 0.0769), at 25 - 35 days of the test (+1.7%; 118.67 vs. 116.67 days; P = 0.0804), at 25 - 42 days of the test (+2.1%; 201.42 vs. 197.29; P = 0.0534), and at 0 - 35 days of the test (+1.0%; 418.25 vs. 413.92; P = 0.0544).

[0060]

Table 14

[0061] The results of the analysis of the experimental diet are shown in Table 13.

[0062]

Table 15

[0063] The summary of the recovery analysis of Bacillus spp. is shown in Table 14. The control T1 diet did not show a lack of colony - forming units due to naturally occurring, heat - shock - resistant spore - forming agents (including Bacillus spp.).

[0064]

Table 16

[0065] The analysis of body weight and weight gain is summarized in Tables 15 to 17.

[0066] Final live weight was significantly higher in the T2 Correlink™ ABS747 group compared to the T1 control group at 11 days (+5%; 0.2979 vs. 0.2836 kg / bird; P = 0.0022), 25 days (+4.6%; 1.2168 vs. 1.1635 kg / bird; P = 0.0123), 35 days (+7.1%; 2.2990 vs. 2.1460 kg / bird; P < 0.0001), and 42 days (+6.3%; 3.1330 vs. 2.9469 kg / bird; P = 0.0006) (Table 15).

[0067]

Table 17

[0068] ADWG was significantly higher in T2 Correlink™ ABS747 compared to the T1 control group from 0 - 11 days of the trial (+5.5%; 0.0232 vs. 0.0220 kg / bird / day; P = 0.0052), 25 - 35 days (+6.2%; 0.1104 vs. 0.1040 kg / bird / day; P = 0.0001), 25 - 42 days of the trial (+4.2; 0.1153 vs. 0.1106 kg / bird / day; P = 0.0036), 0 - 35 days of the trial (+5.0%; 0.0651 vs. 0.0620 kg / bird / day; P < 0.0015), and 0 - 42 days of the trial (+4.2%; 0.0745 vs. 0.0715 kg / bird / day; P = 0.0036) (Table 16).

[0069]

Table 18

[0070] ADLWG was significantly higher in the T2 Correlink™ ABS747 group at 0 - 11 days of the trial (+5.9%; 0.0232 vs 0.0219 kg / bird / day; P = 0.0022), 25 - 35 days of the trial (+8.2%; 0.1086 vs 0.1004 kg / bird / day; P = 0.0015), 25 - 42 days of the trial (+5.5%; 0.1131 vs 0.1072 kg / bird / day; P = 0.0167), 0 - 35 days of the trial (+7.2%; 0.0644 vs 0.0601 kg / bird / day; P < 0.0001), and 0 - 42 days of the trial (+6.5%; 0.0736 vs 0.0691 kg / bird / day; P = 0.0006). Further, ADLWG tended to be higher in the T2 Correlink™ ABS747 group at 11 - 25 days of the trial (+3.6%; 0.0656 vs 0.0633 kg / bird / day; P = 0.0949) when compared to the T1 control group (Table 17).

[0071]

Table 19

[0072] Summary statistical analyses of feed intake, adjusted and unadjusted for mortality, are shown in Tables 18 and 19, respectively.

[0073] Table 18 shows that ADFI adjusted for mortality was significantly higher in the T2 Correlink™ ABS747 group at 35 - 42 days of the trial (+18.1%; 0.3004 vs 0.2544 kg / bird / day; P < 0.0001), 25 - 42 days of the trial (+4.2%; 0.2002 vs 0.1921 kg / bird / day; P = 0.0018), and 0 - 42 days of the trial (+4.1%; 0.1205 vs 0.1158 kg / bird / day; P = 0.0021). However, ADFI was significantly lower in the T2 Correlink™ ABS747 group at 25 - 35 days of the trial (-12.5%; 0.1303 vs 0.1489 kg / bird / day; P < 0.0001) and 0 - 35 days of the trial (-4.2%; 0.0850 vs 0.0888 kg / bird / day; P = 0.0013).

[0074]

Table 20

[0075] Table 19 shows that the unadjusted ADFI for mortality was significantly higher in the T2 Correlink™ ABS747 group at 35 - 42 days of the test day (+18.2%; 0.3000 vs. 0.2539 kg / bird / day; P<0.0001), 25 - 42 days of the test day (+4.5%; 0.1983 vs. 0.1897 kg / bird / day; P = 0.0034), and 0 - 42 days of the test day (+5.5%; 0.1198 vs. 0.1136 kg / bird / day; P = 0.0001), and there was a tendency to be higher at 11 - 25 days of the test day (+3.3%; 0.0977 vs. 0.0946 kg / bird / day; P = 0.0537). However, the ADFI (unadjusted for mortality) was significantly lower in the T2 Correlink™ ABS747 group at 25 - 35 days of the test day (-12.6%; 0.1293 vs. 0.1479 kg / bird / day; P<0.0001) and 0 - 35 days of the test day (-3.2%; 0.0846 vs. 0.0874 kg / bird / day; P = 0.0082) compared to the T1 control group.

[0076]

Table 21

[0077] The feed conversion data are summarized in Tables 20 to 23.

[0078] Table 20 shows that the FCE data adjusted for mortality were significantly higher in the T2 Correlink™ ABS747 group at 0 - 11 days of the test day (+4.0%; 0.8394 vs. 0.8074; P = 0.0190), 25 - 35 days of the test day (+21.8%; 0.8544 vs. 0.7015; P<0.0001), and 0 - 35 days of the test day (+9.6%; 0.7668 vs. 0.6994; P<0.0001), and significantly lower at 35 - 42 days of the test day (-13.6%; 0.4101 vs. 0.4744; P<0.0001) compared to the T1 control group.

[0079]

Table 22

[0080] Table 21 shows that for the unadjusted FCE data regarding death, in the T2 Correlink™ ABS747 group compared with the T1 control group, it was significantly higher on days 0 - 11 of the test day (+4.4%; 0.8394 vs. 0.8040; P = 0.0110), on days 25 - 35 of the test day (+23.9%; 0.8462 vs. 0.6831; P < 0.0001), and on days 0 - 35 of the test day (+10.8%; 0.7626 vs. 0.6880; P < 0.0001), and significantly lower on days 35 - 42 of the test day (-13.9%; 0.4051 vs. 0.4706; P < 0.0001).

[0081]

Table 23

[0082] Table 22 shows that for the FCR data adjusted for death, in the T2 Correlink™ ABS747 group, it was significantly lower on days 0 - 11 of the test day (-3.6%; 1.1959 vs. 1.2402; P = 0.0153), on days 25 - 35 of the test day (-17.5%; 1.1842 vs. 1.4349; P < 0.0001), and on days 0 - 35 of the test day (-8.7%; 1.3072 vs. 1.4323; P < 0.0001), and significantly higher on days 35 - 42 of the test day (+16.5%; 2.4648 vs. 2.1160; P < 0.0001).

[0083]

Table 24

[0084] The FCR data (unadjusted for death) was significantly lower in the T2 Correlink™ ABS747 group compared to the T1 control group on days 0 - 11 of the test (-4.0%; 1.1959 vs 1.2457; P = 0.0080), on days 25 - 35 of the test (-19.3%; 1.1975 vs 14841; P < 0.0001), and on days 0 - 35 of the test (-9.9%; 1.3147 vs 1.4584; P < 0.0001), and significantly higher on days 35 - 42 of the test (+18.4%; 2.5310 vs 2.1375; P = 0.0005) (Table 23).

[0085]

Table 25

[0086] The general health was good with the Correlink™ ABS747 at the administered dose, and no side effects were observed.

[0087] Compared to the T1 control, birds fed 1.5×10 5 CFU Correlink™ ABS747 / g feed had a significantly improved final body weight and average weight gain over the entire test period (P < 0.05).

[0088] Feed intake was significantly lower in the Correlink™ ABS747 group compared to the T1 control group between SD25 - 35 and higher between SD35 - 42.

[0089] FCR and FCE data suggest that including 1.5×10 5 Correlink™ ABS747 / g feed is significantly more efficient during the period SD0 - 35 compared to the T1 control.

[0090] The overall mortality rate (2.9%) was within the normal range and not related to the test product (Correlink™ ABS747). The present invention also provides the following. [1] A method of providing a daily average weight gain (ADWG) to broiler chickens, the method comprising feeding the broiler chickens an amount of Bacillus strain 747 sufficient to provide at least 3% ADWG to the broiler chickens. [2] The method according to [1], wherein the ADWG is at least 5%. [3] A method of providing a daily average live weight gain (ADLWG) to broiler chickens, the method comprising feeding the broiler chickens an amount of Bacillus strain 747 sufficient to provide at least 1% ADLWG to the broiler chickens. [4] The method according to [3], wherein the ADLWG is at least 3%. [5] A method of providing an improved feed conversion efficiency (FCE) to broiler chickens, the method comprising feeding the broiler chickens an amount of Bacillus strain 747 sufficient to provide at least 6% FCR to the broiler chickens. [6] The method according to [5], wherein the FCE is at least 9%. [7] A method of providing an improved feed conversion ratio (FCR) to broiler chickens, the method comprising feeding the broiler chickens an amount of Bacillus strain 747 sufficient to provide at least -6% FCR to the broiler chickens. [8] The method according to [5], wherein the FCR is at least -8%. [9] Use of Bacillus strain 747 for providing at least 3% ADWG.

[10] Use of Bacillus strain 747 for providing at least 5% ADWG.

[11] Use of Bacillus strain 747 for providing at least 1% ADLWG.

[12] Use of Bacillus strain 747 for providing at least 3% ADLWG.

[13] Use of Bacillus strain 747 for providing at least 6% FCE.

[14] Use of Bacillus strain 747 for providing at least 9% FCE.

[15] Use of Bacillus strain 747 for providing an FCR of -6% or less.

[16] Use of Bacillus strain 747 for providing an FCR of -8% or less.

Claims

**Claim 1** A method for improving the average daily weight gain (ADWG) of broiler chickens, comprising feeding the broiler chickens a composition containing Bacillus strain 747 but no probiotics other than Bacillus strain 747, wherein Bacillus strain 747 is present in the composition at a concentration of at least 1.5×10⁵ CFU / g. **Claim 2** The method according to claim 1, wherein the ADWG is improved by at least 5%. **Claim 3** A method for improving the average daily live weight gain (ADLWG) of broiler chickens, comprising feeding the broiler chickens a composition containing Bacillus strain 747 but no probiotics other than Bacillus strain 747, wherein Bacillus strain 747 is present in the composition at a concentration of at least 1.5×10⁵ CFU / g. **Claim 4** The method according to claim 3, wherein the ADLWG is improved by at least 3%. **Claim 5** A method for improving the feed conversion efficiency (FCE) of broiler chickens, comprising feeding the broiler chickens a composition containing Bacillus strain 747 but no probiotics other than Bacillus strain 747, wherein Bacillus strain 747 is present in the composition at a concentration of at least 1.5×10⁵ CFU / g. **Claim 6** The method according to claim 5, wherein the FCE is improved by at least 9%. **Claim 7** A method for improving the feed conversion ratio (FCR) of broiler chickens, comprising feeding the broiler chickens a composition containing Bacillus strain 747 but no probiotics other than Bacillus strain 747, wherein Bacillus strain 747 is present in the composition at a concentration of at least 1.5×10⁵ CFU / g. **Claim 8** The method according to claim 7, wherein the FCR is improved by at least -8%. **Claim 9** A composition for improving the average daily weight gain (ADWG) of broiler chickens, which contains Bacillus strain 747 but does not contain probiotics other than Bacillus strain 747, wherein Bacillus strain 747 is present in the composition at a concentration of at least 1.5×10⁵ CFU / g.

10. The composition according to claim 9, for improving the ADWG by at least 5%.

11. A composition for improving the ADLWG of broiler chickens, which contains Bacillus strain 747 but does not contain probiotics other than Bacillus strain 747, wherein Bacillus strain 747 is present in the composition at a concentration of at least 1.5×10⁵ CFU / g.

12. The composition according to claim 11, for improving the ADLWG by at least 3%.

13. A composition for improving the FCE of broiler chickens, which contains Bacillus strain 747 but does not contain probiotics other than Bacillus strain 747, wherein Bacillus strain 747 is present in the composition at a concentration of at least 1.5×10⁵ CFU / g.

14. The composition according to claim 13, for improving the FCE by at least 9%.

15. A composition for improving the FCR of broiler chickens, which contains Bacillus strain 747 but does not contain probiotics other than Bacillus strain 747, wherein Bacillus strain 747 is present in the composition at a concentration of at least 1.5×10⁵ CFU / g.

16. The composition according to claim 15, for improving the FCR by at least -8%.

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