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The general objective of this work was to isolate from yoghourts cultured strains of lactobacilli with potential for use as probiotics in poultry farming. Three yoghourts were cultured to see the presence of lactobacilli in the Rogosa agar base culture medium. It was found that only one yoghourt (number 1) showed the growth of lactobacilli. This yoghourt was immediately selected for further cultivation. Afterwards, the Lactobacillus strains were isolated and fortified under CO2 and then inoculated into a solution of peptone water, which constituted inoculums to be administered to an experimental group of poultry. Another group served as controls. Pathogenic strains of Escherichia coli were also administered to both groups (experimental and control, each comprising five hens). The results showed significant weight gain from the experimental group (positive effect on immunity) and freedom from disease after an incubation period (inhibitory effect of the lactobacillus strains on the Escherichia coli strains), whereas the control group showed less weight gain than the experimental group and development of colibacillosis after an incubation period. The positive effects of the Lactobacillus strains observed on the poultry of the experimental group proved the ecological role of these microorganisms in improving the health of the poultry by inhibiting the effects of pathogenic Escherichia coli strains. This suggests reassuring prospects for the reduction of antibiotic use in both human and animal care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many bird populations live in Africa, and among these birds, some species can be formidable pests of crops. The general objective of this study is to count the impacts of Numididae and Phasianidae birds on food crops in the fields of cassava, maize, groundnut, bean, tomato, pineapple and yam in the Bombo-Lumene Hunting Estate and Reserve in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo. Birds were captured using unbaited and baited traps during several sampling operations between september 2019 and december 2020. Observed and captured birds were identified using appropriate identification keys. To identify Numididae and Phasianidae bird damage on food crops, observations were made on ten fields of 7.5 ares each located in grassy areas. The results revealed the presence of pest birds of the families Numididae and Phasianidae in the food crop fields of the Bombo-Lumene Estate and Hunting Reserve. These birds were grouped into three species (Numida meleagris Linnea, 1758, Francolinus afer Statius Muller, 1776 and F. coqui Smith, 1836) and two genera (Numida and Francolinus). Francolinus afer and Numida meleagris were among the species that most frequently attacked crops in several ways by damaging certain plant organs. Francolinus afer and Numida meleagris only pecked at tubers, cassava cuttings, some seeds (maize, groundnut, bean, etc.) without totally destroying the plants. In maize, cassava, groundnut, cowpea and tomato crops, these birds used their beaks and legs to dig up and peck seeds, attack roots as soon as they tuberized, and pull out fruits. Plant organs usually damaged were: leaves, tubers, cuttings, seeds, young shoots, spikes and even the whole plant. In view of the above, producers are called upon to put in place methods of dissuasion, notably scarecrows, in order to be able to benefit from almost all of their production. The managers of protected areas are called upon to ban cultivation in the areas under their jurisdiction to avoid the amplification of human-wildlife conflicts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]