Corrigendum to: Production performance of laying hens at peak lay, sulfur compounds in manure, and selected serum profiles: efficacy of Lactobacillus species as probiotics

A study was conducted to evaluate the use of probiotics containing Lactobacillus species to improve egg quality and serum biochemistry, and to lower the concentration of sulfur-containing gas compounds from poultry manure.

Ninety-six White Leghorn W-36 laying hens (32 weeks old) were randomly assigned to two feeding treatments: Control and Control + Probiotics. A combination of probiotics (Lactobacillus paracasei, L. plantarum and L. rhamnosus totalling 1 × 10¹² CFU/kg feed) was provided for 8 weeks. At Weeks 0, 4 and 8, eggs were analysed for weight, shell thickness, albumen height and Haugh unit. Faecal matter was analysed for total sulfur, sulfate-sulfur and 20 reduced sulfur compounds. Blood serum was analysed for amylase, calcium, phosphate, total cholesterol and triglycerides.

No significant differences were observed between the two treatments for any of the parameters. Five sulfide gases were detected in manure: hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), dimethyl sulfide (CH₃)₂S, methyl mercaptan (CH₃SH), carbonyl sulfide (COS) and carbon disulfide (CS₂). Ratios of various detectable gases were computed. Trends for ratios H₂S:(CH₃)₂S, H₂S:CS₂, and H₂S:COS from manure for both treatments were >1, whereas the ratios H₂S:CH₃SH and (CH₃)₂S:CH₃SH were <1.

Overall, probiotics did not enhance production, egg quality or the serum profile.

Possibly, the concentration of probiotics was too high, limiting bacterial colonisation and beneficial effects.