Abstract
This research aimed at screening of phytase-producing bacteria previously isolated from the gastrointestinal tract of poultry as probiotic candidates. Two screening indicators were used; (1) the capacity to produce phytase, and (2) the ability to grow in sugar media. This research was conducted at laboratory of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Animal Science, University of Mataram for about 4 months since January to April 2019. Initially, bacteria were subculture in LB broth and on agar through serial dilutions to get a pure colony. Thereafter, the pure isolates were grown on sodium phytate-containing agar . The results shows that 4 bacteria had a capacity to produce phytase indicated by the formation of clearance zone on the sodium phytate-containing agar ; three of them appeared to be member of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) indicated by their ability to ferment glucose. Since LAB members are generally regarded as safe (GRAS) microorganism, the results may suggest that the three bacterial isolates are potential probiont for poultry, although in vivo study using live poultry should be further investigated to get more comprehensive results.