Probiotic Enterococcus faecium (M74) as an alternative to antibiotics for controlling necrotic enteritis in broiler chickens

Necrotic enteritis, a major poultry disease caused by Clostridium perfringens, is becoming harder to manage due to reduced antibiotic use. This study shows that the probiotic Enterococcus faecium (M74) can significantly reduce harmful bacteria, improve growth performance, and enhance gut health and immunity in broiler chickens.

Preventive use proved more effective than treatment after infection, suggesting that this probiotic could be a promising alternative or complement to antibiotics in poultry production.