Abstract
A new strain of propionic acid bacteria, designated Propionibacterium freudenreichii 1/18, was selected and molecularly characterized for use in a probiotic feed additive.The strain was identified through molecular genetic analysis and deposited in the Republican Collection of Microorganisms LLP under registration number B-RKM 1290.Based on a rational combination of functional microbial groups, an optimized probiotic consortium was developed, including lactic acid bacteria (Lactobacillus plantarum 2B), cellulolytic bacteria (Cellulomonas flavigena 22), and the propionic acid bacterium P. freudenreichii 1/18.This microbial association was incorporated into a granular feed additive formulated with feed bentonite, feed bran, tricalcium phosphate, vitamin D, and a lyophilized probiotic biomass.The chemical composition of the feed was analyzed, and nutritionally balanced rations were developed for cattle.Feeding trials demonstrated that supplementation with the developed probiotic feed additive significantly increased feed intake and improved both meat and milk productivity in experimental animals.The results indicate that the proposed probiotic formulation enhances nutrient utilization efficiency and may serve as an effective functional feed additive for livestock production.