eng Oriental Scientific Publishing Company Biosciences Biotechnology Research Asia 0973-1245 2016-01-08 2 2 103 106 3454 article V. O. Oyetayo 1 Department of Microbiology, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B. 704, Akure (Nigeria) Lactobacillus fermentum strain OVL isolated from Kunnu, a locally fermented beverage produced from sorghum, was assessed as a probiotic organism. In vitro antagonistic property of the organism shows that it can effectively inhibit the growth of some indicator bacteria. The strain was examined for resistance to antimicrobial agents and low pH. The probiotic strain, OVL was administered by orogastric dosing to albino rats (Rattus norvegicus). Faecal samples of rats were collected before, during, and after consumption. Lactobacilli and E. coli counts were determined in the faeces. This study reveals that L. fermentum OVL increased the faecal lactobacilli counts and reduced the E. coli counts in the faeces of rats in groups MDL and PDL that were dosed with the strain. Lactobacillus fermentum strain OVL may be considered to be a potential probiotic for animals and eventually for man. https://www.biotech-asia.org/vol2no2/selection-of-lactobacillus-fermentum-ovl-as-potential-probiotic-agent/ Lactobacillus fermentum; potential probiotic agent