Saliu, Bolanle KudiratSule, Ismaila OlawaleAgbabiaka, Toyin Olayemi2024-05-032024-05-032012Saliu, Bolanle Kudirat, Sule, Ismaila Olawale and Agbabiaka, Toyin Olayemi (2012) Comparative study of bacteria in the digestive tracts of chickens reared as free rangers and those reared in poultry. Biological and Environmental Sciences Journal for the Tropics0794 - 9057https://uilspace.unilorin.edu.ng/handle/123456789/13579The bacterial flora of the digestive tracts of chickens reared at home was compared with those of poultry chickens. Samples obtained from the crop, gizzard and intestine were cultured on Nutrient Agar. Bacterial population was estimated using plate count method. Poultry chickens had higher population of bacteria while a greater diversity occurred in the digestive tracts of chickens reared at home. Among the isolates, Lactobacillus sp. and Escherichia coli were found in all the compartments of the two categories of chicken studied. Enterobacter aerogenes, Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus cereus were also isolated from all the chickens. In addition, Proteus vulgaris, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Enterococcus faecium, Bacillus megaterium and Streptococcus pyogenes occurred in the digestive tracts of the free rangers. the high diversity of the free rangers reflect the method of feeding which may predispose that category of chickens to attack by pathogenic organisms. A number of isolates hydrolyzed starch and cellulose. They may play important roles in the digestion of the carbohydrates especially cellulose.enpoultry chickensfree rangersdigestive tractsbacteriaArticle