LACTOBACILLI FROM TURKEYS

Abstract

Lactobacilli outnumbered any other group of bacteria in the cecal feces of turkeys. Most numerous was the anaerobic Lactobacillus bifidus, which produces volatile acid and dextro-lactic acid; 2d was acidophilus which produces no volatile acid and inactive lactic acid. L. plantarum and L. fermenti also were encountered, but in smaller numbers. While fermenti agreed with accepted descriptions, the avian plantarum deviated: about half of the strains did not ferment salicin, none grew without added riboflavin, the range of growth was higher, and one strain was motile. In other respects they were typical, particularly in important characters, e.g., fermentation of melibiose and in forming inactive lactic acid with a surplus of the dextro form.