Fermented Duckweed as a Potential Feed Additive with Poultry Beneficial Bacilli Probiotics

In this study, the duckweed varieties Lemna minor, Spirodela polyrhiza, and a commercially processed duckweed food supplement were investigated as potential substrates for the propagation of two probiotic Bacillus strains, B. subtilis KATMIRA1933 and B. amyloliquefaciens B-1895. Both L. minor and S. polyrhiza were found to be suitable substrates for the propagation of both bacilli, with 8.47-9.48 Log CFU/g and 10.17-11.31 Log CFU/g after 24 and 48 h growth on the substrates, respectively. The commercial duckweed product was a less favorable substrate, with growth reaching a maximum of 7.89-8.91 CFU/g after 24 h with no further growth after 48 h. Growth and adherence of the bacilli to the three products were confirmed via electron microscopy. These strains have demonstrated health-promoting benefits for poultry and thereby have the potential to enhance duckweed as an animal feed through the process of fermentation. Duckweed has been shown to be a promising alternative resource for protein and has the opportunity to become a valuable resource in multiple industries as a potential means to increase sustainability, food security, and reduce environmental impact.

Automated summary

This study found that Lemna minor and Spirodela polyrhiza are suitable substrates for cultivating probiotic Bacillus strains, while a commercially processed duckweed product showed less favorable results. The Bacillus strains demonstrated health benefits for poultry and have the potential to enhance duckweed as an animal feed through fermentation.