Preliminary assessment of probiotic Bacillus subtilis C-3102 in feces: evaluation of their survival after oral supplementation in goats

The study's objective was to demonstrate the ability of Bacillus subtilis to survive gastrointestinal transit after oral supplementation assessed in fecal samples is considered an inherent property of potential probiotics. Six, rumen-fistulated, 3.5-year-old, non-lactating female Saanen goats (average initial body weight of 65 ± 8 kg) were assigned to two treatments: basal rations (CON) and basal rations supplemented with B. subtilis probiotic product (BS) in a cross-over design. Each experimental period lasted 21 days. On the last day of each experimental period, rumen fluid and fecal samples were collected. Body weights were recorded weekly throughout the experiment. Bodyweight and rumen pH were found to be similar between dietary treatments. The goats that received BS had higher numbers of B. subtilis in fecal samples than CON. Therefore, it was concluded that B. subtilis met a prerequisite of probiotics to survive the passage through the gastrointestinal tract. The current result also provides a factual basis for future research involving any effects after supplementing probiotic B. subtilis in small ruminants.