Abstract
beta-Mannanases are crucial enzymes for the breakdown of mannans. As Mannans are being considered as antinutritional factors in poultry production, the search for mannanase-producing probiotic bacteria is now attracting considerable attention as a strategy to enhance nutrients bioavailability. Five soil born Bacilli (US134, US150, US176, US180, and US191) were selected for their ability to produce extracellular beta-mannanases that were biochemically characterized. The probiotic properties of these strains were determined to assess their potential as animal feed supplements. Bacillus subtilis US191 was shown to be sensitive to all antibiotics tested, to inhibit growth of the bacterial pathogens tested, and to produce a thermostable beta-mannanase. It exhibited a notable acid and bovine bile tolerance and high ability to form biofilm. These features may favor its adherence to the intestinal epithelial cells allowing its survival and persistence in the digestive tract. Furthermore, our study revealed that US191 was among the strains showing the highest ability to digest wheat dry matter in vitro when compared to the commercial feed additive Rovabio (R) Max. Altogether, our findings suggest that the beta-mannanase producer B.subtilis US191 is a promising probiotic candidate for the feed industry.