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Lecoeur A, Blanc F, Gourichon D, Bruneau N, Burlot T, Pinard-van der Laan MH, Calenge F. Host genetics drives differences in cecal microbiota composition and immune traits of laying hens raised in the same environment. Poult Sci 2024; 103:103609. [PMID: 38547541 PMCID: PMC11000118 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2024.103609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Vaccination is one of the most effective strategies for preventing infectious diseases but individual vaccine responses are highly heterogeneous. Host genetics and gut microbiota composition are 2 likely drivers of this heterogeneity. We studied 94 animals belonging to 4 lines of laying hens: a White Leghorn experimental line genetically selected for a high antibody response against the Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV) vaccine (ND3) and its unselected control line (CTR), and 2 commercial lines (White Leghorn [LEG] and Rhode Island Red [RIR]). Animals were reared in the same conditions from hatching to 42 d of age, and animals from different genetic lines were mixed. Animals were vaccinated at 22 d of age and their humoral vaccine response against NDV was assessed by hemagglutination inhibition assay and ELISA from blood samples collected at 15, 19, and 21 d after vaccination. The immune parameters studied were the 3 immunoglobulins subtypes A, M, and Y and the blood cell composition was assessed by flow cytometry. The composition of the cecal microbiota was assessed at the end of the experiment by analyzing amplified 16S rRNA gene sequences to obtain amplicon sequence variants (ASV). The 4 lines showed significantly different levels of NDV vaccine response at the 3 measured points, with, logically, a higher response of the genetically selected ND3 line, and intermediate and low responses for the unselected CTR control line and for the 2 commercial lines, respectively. The ND3 line displayed also a higher proportion of immunoglobulins (IgA, IgM, and IgY). The RIR line showed the most different blood cell composition. The 4 lines showed significantly different microbiota characteristics: composition, abundances at all taxonomic levels, and correlations between genera and vaccine response. The tested genetic lines differ for immune parameters and gut microbiota composition and functions. These phenotypic differences can be attributed to genetic differences between lines. Causal relationships between both types of parameters are discussed and will be investigated in further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Lecoeur
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Jouy-en-Josas 78350, France.
| | - Fany Blanc
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Jouy-en-Josas 78350, France
| | | | - Nicolas Bruneau
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Jouy-en-Josas 78350, France
| | | | | | - Fanny Calenge
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Jouy-en-Josas 78350, France
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König E, Heponiemi P, Kivinen S, Räkköläinen J, Beasley S, Borman T, Collado MC, Hukkinen V, Junnila J, Lahti L, Norring M, Piirainen V, Salminen S, Heinonen M, Valros A. Fewer culturable Lactobacillaceae species identified in faecal samples of pigs performing manipulative behaviour. Sci Rep 2024; 14:132. [PMID: 38168466 PMCID: PMC10762183 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-50791-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Manipulative behaviour that consists of touching or close contact with ears or tails of pen mates is common in pigs and can become damaging. Manipulative behaviour was analysed from video recordings of 45-day-old pigs, and 15 manipulator-control pairs (n = 30) were formed. Controls neither received nor performed manipulative behaviour. Rectal faecal samples of manipulators and controls were compared. 16S PCR was used to identify Lactobacillaceae species and 16S amplicon sequencing to determine faecal microbiota composition. Seven culturable Lactobacillaceae species were identified in control pigs and four in manipulator pigs. Manipulators (p = 0.02) and females (p = 0.005) expressed higher Lactobacillus amylovorus, and a significant interaction was seen (sex * status: p = 0.005) with this sex difference being more marked in controls. Females (p = 0.08) and manipulator pigs (p = 0.07) tended to express higher total Lactobacillaceae. A tendency for an interaction was seen in Limosilactobacillus reuteri (sex * status: p = 0.09). Results suggest a link between observed low diversity in Lactobacillaceae and the development of manipulative behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilia König
- Research Centre for Animal Welfare, Department of Production Animal Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00790, Helsinki, Finland.
| | | | - Sanni Kivinen
- Functional Foods Forum, University of Turku, 20520, Turku, Finland
| | | | - Shea Beasley
- Vetcare Ltd., 04600, Mäntsälä, Finland
- Sheaps Oy, 03250, Ojakkala, Finland
| | - Tuomas Borman
- Department of Computing, University of Turku, 20500, Turku, Finland
| | - Maria Carmen Collado
- Institute of Agrochemistry and Food Technology-National Research Council (IATA-CSIC), 46980, Paterna, Valencia, Spain
| | - Vilja Hukkinen
- Research Centre for Animal Welfare, Department of Production Animal Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00790, Helsinki, Finland
| | | | - Leo Lahti
- Department of Computing, University of Turku, 20500, Turku, Finland
| | - Marianna Norring
- Research Centre for Animal Welfare, Department of Production Animal Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00790, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Virpi Piirainen
- Research Centre for Animal Welfare, Department of Production Animal Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00790, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Seppo Salminen
- Functional Foods Forum, University of Turku, 20520, Turku, Finland
| | - Mari Heinonen
- Research Centre for Animal Welfare, Department of Production Animal Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00790, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Anna Valros
- Research Centre for Animal Welfare, Department of Production Animal Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00790, Helsinki, Finland
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Huang C, Hao E, Yue Q, Liu M, Wang D, Chen Y, Shi L, Zeng D, Zhao G, Chen H. Malfunctioned inflammatory response and serotonin metabolism at the microbiota-gut-brain axis drive feather pecking behavior in laying hens. Poult Sci 2023; 102:102686. [PMID: 37327743 PMCID: PMC10404692 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2023.102686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Feather pecking (FP) is a multifactorial abnormal behavior in laying hens where they display harmful pecks in conspecifics. FP has been associated with the altered functioning of the microbiome-gut-brain axis affecting host emotions and social behavior. The altered levels of serotonin (5-HT), a key monoaminergic neurotransmitter at both terminals of the gut-brain axis, affect the development of abnormal behavior, such as FP in laying hens. However, the underlying mechanism involving reciprocal interactions along the microbiota-gut-brain axis, particularly about the metabolism of 5-HT, remains unclear in FP phenotypes. This study examined the microbiota diversity, intestinal microbial metabolites, inflammatory responses, and 5-HT metabolism in divergently selected high (HFP; n = 8) and low (LFP; n = 8) FP hens to investigate the possible interconnections between FP behavior and the examined parameters. The 16S rRNA analysis revealed that compared to LFP birds, the gut microbiota of HFP birds exhibited a decrease in the abundance of phylum Firmicutes and genera Lactobacillus, while an increase in the abundance of phylum Proteobacteria and genera Escherichia Shigella and Desulfovibrio. Furthermore, the intestinal differential metabolites associated with FP phenotypes were mainly enriched in the tryptophan metabolic pathway. HFP birds had higher tryptophan metabolites and possibly a more responsive immune system compared to the LFP birds. This was indirectly supported by altered TNF-α levels in the serum and expression of inflammatory factor in the gut and brain. Moreover, HFP birds had lower serum levels of tryptophan and 5-HT compared to LFP birds, which was consistent with the downregulation of 5-HT metabolism-related genes in the brain of HFP birds. The correlation analysis revealed that genera Lactobacillus and Desulfovibrio were associated with differences in intestinal metabolites, 5-HT metabolism, and inflammatory response between the LFP and HFP birds. In conclusion, differences in the cecal microbiota profile, immune response and 5-HT metabolism drive FP phenotypes, which could be associated with the gut abundance of genera Lactobacillus and Desulfovibrio.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenxuan Huang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, Hebei 071001, China
| | - Erying Hao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, Hebei 071001, China
| | - Qiaoxian Yue
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, Hebei 071001, China
| | - Meng Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, Hebei 071001, China
| | - Dehe Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, Hebei 071001, China
| | - Yifan Chen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, Hebei 071001, China
| | - Lei Shi
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, Hebei 071001, China
| | - Dan Zeng
- Hua Yu Agricultural Technology Co., Ltd., Handan, Hebei 057150, China
| | - Guoxian Zhao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, Hebei 071001, China
| | - Hui Chen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, Hebei 071001, China.
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Bear T, Roy N, Dalziel J, Butts C, Coad J, Young W, Parkar SG, Hedderley D, Dinnan H, Martell S, Middlemiss-Kraak S, Gopal P. Anxiety-like Behavior in Female Sprague Dawley Rats Associated with Cecal Clostridiales. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1773. [PMID: 37512945 PMCID: PMC10386170 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11071773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The relationship between the microbiota profile and exposure to stress is not well understood. Therefore, we used a rat model of unpredictable chronic mild stress (UCMS) to investigate this relationship. Depressive-like behaviors were measured in Female Sprague Dawley rats using the sucrose preference test and the Porsolt swim test. Anxiety-like behaviors were measured with the light-dark box test. Fecal corticosterone, cecal microbiota (composition and organic acids), plasma gut permeability (lipopolysaccharide-binding protein, LBP) and plasma inflammation (12 cytokines) markers were measured. Atypical behaviors were observed in female rats following UCMS, but no depressive-like behaviors were observed. Circulating concentrations of cytokines granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor and cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant 1 were higher in UCMS-exposed female rats; plasma LBP and cecal organic acid levels remained unchanged. Our results reflect a resilient and adaptive phenotype for female SD rats. The relative abundance of taxa from the Clostridiales order and Desulfovibrionaceae family did, however, correlate both positively and negatively with anxiety-like behaviors and plasma cytokine concentrations, regardless of UCMS exposure, supporting the brain-to-gut influence of mild anxiety with a microbiota profile that may involve inflammatory pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tracey Bear
- The New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research Limited, Palmerston North 4410, New Zealand
- Riddet Institute, Massey University, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
- School of Food and Advanced Technology, Massey University, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
| | - Nicole Roy
- Riddet Institute, Massey University, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
- Department of Human Nutrition, Otago University, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
- High-Value Nutrition National Science Challenge, Auckland 1145, New Zealand
| | - Julie Dalziel
- AgResearch Ltd., Grasslands Research Centre, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
| | - Chrissie Butts
- The New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research Limited, Palmerston North 4410, New Zealand
| | - Jane Coad
- School of Food and Advanced Technology, Massey University, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
| | - Wayne Young
- AgResearch Ltd., Grasslands Research Centre, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
| | - Shanthi G Parkar
- The New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research Limited, Palmerston North 4410, New Zealand
| | - Duncan Hedderley
- The New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research Limited, Palmerston North 4410, New Zealand
| | - Hannah Dinnan
- The New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research Limited, Palmerston North 4410, New Zealand
| | - Sheridan Martell
- The New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research Limited, Palmerston North 4410, New Zealand
| | - Susanne Middlemiss-Kraak
- The New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research Limited, Palmerston North 4410, New Zealand
| | - Pramod Gopal
- The New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research Limited, Palmerston North 4410, New Zealand
- Riddet Institute, Massey University, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
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Fu Y, Hu J, Erasmus MA, Zhang H, Johnson TA, Cheng H. Cecal microbiota transplantation: unique influence of cecal microbiota from divergently selected inbred donor lines on cecal microbial profile, serotonergic activity, and aggressive behavior of recipient chickens. J Anim Sci Biotechnol 2023; 14:66. [PMID: 37127691 PMCID: PMC10152610 DOI: 10.1186/s40104-023-00866-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Accumulating evidence from human trials and rodent studies has indicated that modulation of gut microbiota affects host physiological homeostasis and behavioral characteristics. Similarly, alterations in gut microbiota could be a feasible strategy for reducing aggressive behavior and improving health in chickens. The study was conducted to determine the effects of early-life cecal microbiota transplantation (CMT) on cecal microbial composition, brain serotonergic activity, and aggressive behavior of recipient chickens. METHODS Chicken lines 63 and 72 with nonaggressive and aggressive behavior, respectively, were used as donors and a commercial strain Dekalb XL was used as recipients for CMT. Eighty-four 1-d-old male chicks were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 treatments with 7 cages per treatment and 4 chickens per cage (n = 7): saline (control, CTRL), cecal solution of line 63 (63-CMT), and cecal solution of line 72 (72-CMT). Transplantation was conducted via oral gavage once daily from d 1 to 10, and then boosted once weekly from week 3 to 5. At weeks 5 and 16, home-cage behavior was recorded, and chickens with similar body weights were assigned to paired aggression tests between the treatments. Samples of blood, brain, and cecal content were collected from the post-tested chickens to detect CMT-induced biological and microbiota changes. RESULTS 63-CMT chickens displayed less aggressive behavior with a higher hypothalamic serotonergic activity at week 5. Correspondingly, two amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) belonging to Lachnospiraceae and one Ruminococcaceae UCG-005 ASV were positively correlated with the levels of brain tryptophan and serotonin, respectively. 72-CMT chickens had lower levels of brain norepinephrine and dopamine at week 5 with higher levels of plasma serotonin and tryptophan at week 16. ASVs belonging to Mollicutes RF39 and GCA-900066225 in 72-CMT chickens were negatively correlated with the brain 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) at week 5, and one Bacteroides ASV was negatively correlated with plasma serotonin at week 16. CONCLUSION Results indicate that CMT at an early age could regulate aggressive behavior via modulating the cecal microbial composition, together with central serotonergic and catecholaminergic systems in recipient chickens. The selected CMT could be a novel strategy for reducing aggressive behavior through regulating signaling along the microbiota-gut-brain axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuechi Fu
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Jiaying Hu
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Marisa A Erasmus
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Huanmin Zhang
- Avian Disease and Oncology Laboratory, USDA-ARS, East Lansing, MI, 48823, USA
| | - Timothy A Johnson
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA.
| | - Hengwei Cheng
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA.
- Livestock Behavior Research Unit, USDA-ARS, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA.
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Huang C, Yue Q, Sun L, Di K, Yang D, Hao E, Wang D, Chen Y, Shi L, Zhou R, Zhao G, Chen H. Restorative effects of Lactobacillus rhamnosus LR-32 on the gut microbiota, barrier integrity, and 5-HT metabolism in reducing feather-pecking behavior in laying hens with antibiotic-induced dysbiosis. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1173804. [PMID: 37180262 PMCID: PMC10169825 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1173804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of abnormal feather-pecking (FP) behavior, where laying hens display harmful pecks in conspecifics, is multifactorial and has been linked to the microbiota-gut-brain axis. Antibiotics affect the gut microbial composition, leading to gut-brain axis imbalance and behavior and physiology changes in many species. However, it is not clear whether intestinal dysbacteriosis can induce the development of damaging behavior, such as FP. The restorative effects of Lactobacillus rhamnosus LR-32 against intestinal dysbacteriosis-induced alternations need to be determined either. The current investigation aimed to induce intestinal dysbacteriosis in laying hens by supplementing their diet with the antibiotic lincomycin hydrochloride. The study revealed that antibiotic exposure resulted in decreased egg production performance and an increased tendency toward severe feather-pecking (SFP) behavior in laying hens. Moreover, intestinal and blood-brain barrier functions were impaired, and 5-HT metabolism was inhibited. However, treatment with Lactobacillus rhamnosus LR-32 following antibiotic exposure significantly alleviated the decline in egg production performance and reduced SFP behavior. Lactobacillus rhamnosus LR-32 supplementation restored the profile of the gut microbial community, and showed a strong positive effect by increasing the expression of tight junction proteins in the ileum and hypothalamus and promoting the expression of genes related to central 5-HT metabolism. The correlation analysis revealed that probiotic-enhanced bacteria were positively correlated, and probiotic-reduced bacteria were negatively correlated with tight junction-related gene expression, and 5-HT metabolism, and butyric acid levels. Overall, our findings indicate that dietary supplementation with Lactobacillus rhamnosus LR-32 can reduce antibiotic-induced FP in laying hens and is a promising treatment to improve the welfare of domestic birds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenxuan Huang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, China
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Science, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Qiaoxian Yue
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, China
- Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Li Sun
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Science, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Keqian Di
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding, Hebei, China
| | - Duanli Yang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, China
| | - Erying Hao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, China
| | - Dehe Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, China
| | - Yifan Chen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, China
| | - Lei Shi
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, China
| | - Rongyan Zhou
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, China
| | - Guoxian Zhao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, China
| | - Hui Chen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, China
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Bessei W, Tetens J, Bennewitz J, Falker-Gieske C, Hofmann T, Piepho HP. Disturbed circadian rhythm of locomotor activity of pullets is related to feather pecking in laying hens. Poult Sci 2023; 102:102548. [PMID: 36907128 PMCID: PMC10024181 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2023.102548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Various aspects of activity, such as spontaneous activity, explorative activity, activity in open-field tests, and hyperactivity syndrome have been explored as causal factors of feather pecking in laying hens, with no clear results. In all previous studies, mean values of activity over different time intervals were used as criteria. Incidental observation of alternated oviposition time in lines selected for high (HFP) and low feather pecking (LFP), supported by a recent study which showed differentially expressed genes related to the circadian clock in the same lines, led to the hypothesis that feather pecking may be related to a disturbed diurnal activity rhythm. Hence activity recordings of a previous generation of these lines have been reanalyzed. Data sets of a total of 682 pullets of 3 subsequent hatches of HFP, LFP, and an unselected control line (CONTR) were used. Locomotor activity was recorded in pullets housed in groups of mixed lines in a deep litter pen on 7 consecutive 13-h light phases, using a radio-frequency identification antenna system. The number of approaches to the antenna system was recorded as a measure of locomotor activity and analyzed using a generalized linear mixed model including hatch, line, time of day and the interactions of hatch × time of day and line × time of day as fixed effects. Significant effects were found for time and the interaction line × time of day but not for line. All lines showed a bimodal pattern of diurnal activity. The peak activity of the HFP in the morning was lower than that of the LFP and CONTR. In the afternoon peak all lines differed with the highest mean in the LFP followed by CONTR and HFP. The present results provide support for the hypothesis that a disturbed circadian clock plays a role in the development of feather pecking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Werner Bessei
- Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstr. 17, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany.
| | - Jens Tetens
- Department of Animal Sciences, Georg-August-University, Burckhardtweg 2, 37077, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Jörn Bennewitz
- Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstr. 17, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Clemens Falker-Gieske
- Department of Animal Sciences, Georg-August-University, Burckhardtweg 2, 37077, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Tanja Hofmann
- Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstr. 17, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Hans-Peter Piepho
- Institute of Crop Science, University of Hohenheim, Fruwirthstr. 23, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
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Wang C, Li Y, Wang H, Li M, Rong J, Liao X, Wu Y, Wang Y. Differences in peripheral and central metabolites and gut microbiome of laying hens with different feather-pecking phenotypes. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1132866. [PMID: 36937288 PMCID: PMC10017472 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1132866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Feather pecking (FP) is a maladaptive behavior in laying hens that is associated with numerous physiological traits, including those involving the central neurotransmitter system and the immune system, which have been identified in many species as being regulated by the gut microbiota via the "microbiota-gut-brain" (MGB) axis. Yet, it is unknown whether and how gut microbiota influences FP by regulating multiple central neurotransmission systems and immune system. Methods This study was measured the prevalence of severe FP (SFP) in the commercial layer farm. The chicken flock with the highest frequency of SFP were selected for FP phenotype identification. Nontargeted metabolomics was performed to investigated the differences in the peripheral and central metabolites and 16S rDNA sequencing was performed to investigated the differences in gut microbiome of laying hens with different FP phenotypes. Correlation analysis was performed to determine the potential mechanism by which the disturbed gut microbiota may modulate host physiology and behavior. Results The results showed that pullets (12 weeks of age) showed significantly higher SFP frequencies than chicks (6 weeks of age) and adults (22 weeks of age; p < 0.05). Compared to neutrals (N), peckers (P) exhibited the stress-induced immunosuppression with the increased plasma levels of corticosterone and norepinephrine, and the decreased plasma levels of IgA, IL-1, IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor α (p < 0.05). In the cecum, the relative abundances of Bacteroides and Gemmiger were higher in the P group, while Roseburia, Ruminococcus2, Anaerostipes, Lachnospiracea_incertae_sedis and Methanobrevibacter were more enriched in the N group. Moreover, increased plasma levels of L-tryptophan, beta-tyrosine and L-histidine were found in the P group (p < 0.05). Notably, in the P group, hippocampal levels of L-tryptophan, xanthurenic acid, L-histidine and histamine were improved and showed a positive association with L-glutamic acid levels. Plasma levels of L-tryptophan, beta-tyrosine and L-histidine were both positively correlated with Bacteroides abundance but negatively correlated with Methanobrevibacter abundance. Conclusion Overall, these findings suggest that the development of FP may be affected by the gut microbiota, which regulates the central glutamatergic nerve system by altering the metabolism of tryptophan, histidine and tyrosine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agricultural Science and Technology, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yaling Li
- Guangdong Provincial Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agricultural Science and Technology, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Haoliang Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agricultural Science and Technology, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Miao Li
- Guangdong Provincial Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agricultural Science and Technology, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinsheng Rong
- Guangdong Provincial Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agricultural Science and Technology, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xindi Liao
- Guangdong Provincial Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agricultural Science and Technology, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yinbao Wu
- Guangdong Provincial Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agricultural Science and Technology, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agricultural Science and Technology, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Yan Wang,
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Falker-Gieske C, Bennewitz J, Tetens J. Structural variation and eQTL analysis in two experimental populations of chickens divergently selected for feather-pecking behavior. Neurogenetics 2023; 24:29-41. [PMID: 36449109 PMCID: PMC9823035 DOI: 10.1007/s10048-022-00705-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Feather pecking (FP) is a damaging nonaggressive behavior in laying hens with a heritable component. Its occurrence has been linked to the immune system, the circadian clock, and foraging behavior. Furthermore, dysregulation of miRNA biogenesis, disturbance of the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABAergic) system, as well as neurodevelopmental deficiencies are currently under debate as factors influencing the propensity for FP behavior. Past studies, which focused on the dissection of the genetic factors involved in FP, relied on single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and short insertions and deletions < 50 bp (InDels). These variant classes only represent a certain fraction of the genetic variation of an organism. Hence, we reanalyzed whole-genome sequencing data from two experimental populations, which have been divergently selected for FP behavior for over more than 15 generations, performed variant calling for structural variants (SVs) as well as tandem repeats (TRs), and jointly analyzed the data with SNPs and InDels. Genotype imputation and subsequent genome-wide association studies, in combination with expression quantitative trait loci analysis, led to the discovery of multiple variants influencing the GABAergic system. These include a significantly associated TR downstream of the GABA receptor subunit beta-3 (GABRB3) gene, two microRNAs targeting several GABA receptor genes, and dystrophin (DMD), a direct regulator of GABA receptor clustering. Furthermore, we found the transcription factor ETV1 to be associated with the differential expression of 23 genes, which points toward a role of ETV1, together with SMAD4 and KLF14, in the disturbed neurodevelopment of high-feather pecking chickens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clemens Falker-Gieske
- Department of Animal Sciences, Georg-August-University, Burckhardtweg 2, 37077, Göttingen, Germany.
| | - Jörn Bennewitz
- grid.9464.f0000 0001 2290 1502Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstr. 17, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Jens Tetens
- grid.7450.60000 0001 2364 4210Department of Animal Sciences, Georg-August-University, Burckhardtweg 2, 37077 Göttingen, Germany ,grid.7450.60000 0001 2364 4210Center for Integrated Breeding Research, Georg-August-University, Albrecht-Thaer-Weg 3, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
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10
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Roth C, Sims T, Rodehutscord M, Seifert J, Camarinha-Silva A. The active core microbiota of two high-yielding laying hen breeds fed with different levels of calcium and phosphorus. Front Physiol 2022; 13:951350. [PMID: 36213242 PMCID: PMC9539745 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.951350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The nutrient availability and supplementation of dietary phosphorus (P) and calcium (Ca) in avian feed, especially in laying hens, plays a vital role in phytase degradation and mineral utilization during the laying phase. The required concentration of P and Ca peaks during the laying phase, and the direct interaction between Ca and P concentration shrinks the availability of both supplements in the feed. Our goal was to characterize the active microbiota of the entire gastrointestinal tract (GIT) (crop, gizzard, duodenum, ileum, caeca), including digesta- and mucosa-associated communities of two contrasting high-yielding breeds of laying hens (Lohmann Brown Classic, LB; Lohmann LSL-Classic, LSL) under different P and Ca supplementation levels. Statistical significances were observed for breed, GIT section, Ca, and the interaction of GIT section x breed, P x Ca, Ca x breed and P x Ca x breed (p < 0.05). A core microbiota of five species was detected in more than 97% of all samples. They were represented by an uncl. Lactobacillus (average relative abundance (av. abu.) 12.1%), Lactobacillus helveticus (av. abu. 10.8%), Megamonas funiformis (av. abu. 6.8%), Ligilactobacillus salivarius (av. abu. 4.5%), and an uncl. Fusicatenibacter (av. abu. 1.1%). Our findings indicated that Ca and P supplementation levels 20% below the recommendation have a minor effect on the microbiota compared to the strong impact of the bird’s genetic background. Moreover, a core active microbiota across the GIT of two high-yielding laying hen breeds was revealed for the first time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Roth
- HoLMiR—Hohenheim Center for Livestock Microbiome Research, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
- Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Tanja Sims
- HoLMiR—Hohenheim Center for Livestock Microbiome Research, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
- Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Markus Rodehutscord
- HoLMiR—Hohenheim Center for Livestock Microbiome Research, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
- Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Jana Seifert
- HoLMiR—Hohenheim Center for Livestock Microbiome Research, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
- Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Amélia Camarinha-Silva
- HoLMiR—Hohenheim Center for Livestock Microbiome Research, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
- Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
- *Correspondence: Amélia Camarinha-Silva,
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11
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Poor body condition is associated with lower hippocampal plasticity and higher gut methanogen abundance in adult laying hens from two housing systems. Sci Rep 2022; 12:15505. [PMID: 36109559 PMCID: PMC9477867 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-18504-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
It is still unclear which commercial housing system provides the best quality of life for laying hens. In addition, there are large individual differences in stress levels within a system. Hippocampal neurogenesis or plasticity may provide an integrated biomarker of the stressors experienced by an individual. We selected 12 adult hens each with good and poor body condition (based on body size, degree of feather cover and redness of the comb) from a multi-tier free range system containing H&N strain hens, and from an enriched cage system containing Hy-Line hens (n = 48 total). Immature neurons expressing doublecortin (DCX) were quantified in the hippocampus, contents of the caecal microbiome were sequenced, and expression of inflammatory cytokines was measured in the spleen. DCX+ cell densities did not differ between the housing systems. In both systems, poor condition hens had lower DCX+ cell densities, exhibited elevated splenic expression of interleukin-6 (IL6) mRNA, and had a higher relative caecal abundance of methanogenic archea Methanomethylophilaceae. The findings suggest poor body condition is an indicator that individual hens have experienced a comparatively greater degree of cumulative chronic stress, and that a survey of the proportion of hens with poor body conditions might be one way to evaluate the impact of housing systems on hen welfare.
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12
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Feng P, Li Q, Sun H, Gao J, Ye X, Tao Y, Tian Y, Wang P. Effects of fulvic acid on growth performance, serum index, gut microbiota, and metabolites of Xianju yellow chicken. Front Nutr 2022; 9:963271. [PMID: 35990363 PMCID: PMC9389313 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.963271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Fulvic acid (FA) is a mixture of polyphenolic acid compounds extracted from humus, peat, lignite, and aquatic environments; it is used in traditional medicine to treat digestive tract diseases. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of FA on growth performance, inflammation, intestinal microbiota, and metabolites in Xianju yellow chicken. The 240 Xianju yellow chickens (age, 524 days) included were randomly categorized into 4 treatments with 6 replicates per treatment and 10 birds per replicate. Birds received a basal diet or a diet supplemented with 500, 1,000, or 1,500 mg/kg of FA, for a period of 42 days. Dietary supplementation of FA improved average daily gain (ADG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) (P > 0.05). Compared with the control group, the serum level of TNF-α in birds supplemented with FA was significantly decreased (P < 0.05), and that of IL-2 was significantly increased after administration of 1,500 mg/kg FA (P < 0.05). Analysis of gut microbiota indicated that FA reduced the relative abundance of genus Mucispirillum, Anaerofustis, and Campylobacter, but enriched genus Lachnoclostridium, Subdoligranulum, Sphaerochaeta, Oscillibacter, and Catenibacillus among others. Untargeted metabolomic analyses revealed that FA increased 7-sulfocholic acid, but reduced the levels of Taurochenodeoxycholate-7-sulfate, LysoPC 20:4 (8Z, 11Z, 14Z, 17Z), LysoPC 18:2, Phosphocholine and other 13 metabolites in the cecum. The results demonstrated that FA may potentially have a significant positive effect on the growth performance and immune function of Xianju yellow chicken through the modulation of the gut microbiota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peishi Feng
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qiaoqiao Li
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hanxue Sun
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jinfeng Gao
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xuan Ye
- Xianju Breeding Chicken Farm, Taizhou, China
| | - Yi Tao
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yong Tian
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ping Wang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, China
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13
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Mindus C, van Staaveren N, Fuchs D, Gostner JM, Kjaer JB, Kunze W, Mian MF, Shoveller AK, Forsythe P, Harlander-Matauschek A. Regulatory T Cell Modulation by Lactobacillus rhamnosus Improves Feather Damage in Chickens. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:855261. [PMID: 35478602 PMCID: PMC9036099 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.855261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
It is currently unclear whether potential probiotics such as lactic acid bacteria could affect behavioral problems in birds. To this end, we assessed whether a supplementation of Lactobacillus rhamnosus JB-1 can reduce stress-induced severe feather pecking (SFP), feather damage and fearfulness in adult birds kept for egg laying. In parallel, we assessed SFP genotypic and phenotypic-related immune responses and aromatic amino acid status linked to neurotransmitter production. Social stress aggravated plumage damage, while L. rhamnosus treatment improved the birds' feather cover in non-stressed birds, but did not impact fearfulness. Our data demonstrate the significant impact of L. rhamnosus supplementation on the immune system. L. rhamnosus supplementation induced immunosuppressive regulatory T cells and cytotoxic T cells in both the cecal tonsils and the spleen. Birds exhibiting the SFP phenotype possessed lower levels of cecal tonsils regulatory T cells, splenic T helper cells and a lower TRP:(PHE+TYR). Together, these results suggest that bacteria may have beneficial effects on the avian immune response and may be useful therapeutic adjuncts to counteract SFP and plumage damage, thus increasing animal health and welfare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Mindus
- Department of Animal Biosciences, Ontario Agricultural College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Nienke van Staaveren
- Department of Animal Biosciences, Ontario Agricultural College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Dietmar Fuchs
- Biocenter, Institute of Biological Chemistry, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Johanna M. Gostner
- Biocenter, Institute of Medical Biochemistry, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Joergen B. Kjaer
- Institute of Animal Welfare and Animal Husbandry, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Celle, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Kunze
- Brain-Body Institute, St. Joseph's Healthcare, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - M. Firoz Mian
- Division of Respirology, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Anna K. Shoveller
- Department of Animal Biosciences, Ontario Agricultural College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Paul Forsythe
- Division of Respirology, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Alexandra Harlander-Matauschek
- Department of Animal Biosciences, Ontario Agricultural College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
- *Correspondence: Alexandra Harlander-Matauschek
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Krumbeck JA, Turner DD, Diesel A, Hoffman AR, Heatley JJ. Skin microbiota of quaker parrots (Myiopsitta monachus) with normal feathering or feather loss via next-generation sequencing technology. J Exot Pet Med 2022. [DOI: 10.1053/j.jepm.2022.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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15
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The Impact of Probiotic Bacillus subtilis on Injurious Behavior in Laying Hens. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12070870. [PMID: 35405859 PMCID: PMC8997090 DOI: 10.3390/ani12070870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 03/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Injurious behavior prevention is a critical issue in the poultry industry due to increasing social stress, leading to negative effects on bird production and survivability, consequently enhancing gut microbiota dysbiosis and neuroinflammation via the microbiota–gut–brain axis. Probiotics have been used as potential therapeutic psychobiotics to treat or improve neuropsychiatric disorders or symptoms by boosting cognitive and behavioral processes and reducing stress reactions in humans and various experimental animals. The current data will first report that probiotic Bacillus subtilis reduces stress-induced injurious behavior in laying hens via regulating microbiota–gut–brain function with the potential to be an alternative to beak trimming during poultry egg production. Abstract Intestinal microbiota functions such as an endocrine organ to regulate host physiological homeostasis and behavioral exhibition in stress responses via regulating the gut–brain axis in humans and other mammals. In humans, stress-induced dysbiosis of the gut microbiota leads to intestinal permeability, subsequently affecting the clinical course of neuropsychiatric disorders, increasing the frequency of aggression and related violent behaviors. Probiotics, as direct-fed microorganism, have been used as dietary supplements or functional foods to target gut microbiota (microbiome) for the prevention or therapeutic treatment of mental diseases including social stress-induced psychiatric disorders such as depression, anxiety, impulsivity, and schizophrenia. Similar function of the probiotics may present in laying hens due to the intestinal microbiota having a similar function between avian and mammals. In laying hens, some management practices such as hens reared in conventional cages or at a high stocking density may cause stress, leading to injurious behaviors such as aggressive pecking, severe feather pecking, and cannibalism, which is a critical issue facing the poultry industry due to negative effects on hen health and welfare with devastating economic consequences. We discuss the current development of using probiotic Bacillus subtilis to prevent or reduce injurious behavior in laying hens.
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Bari MS, Kheravii SK, Bajagai YS, Wu SB, Keerqin C, Campbell DLM. Cecal Microbiota of Free-Range Hens Varied With Different Rearing Enrichments and Ranging Patterns. Front Microbiol 2022; 12:797396. [PMID: 35222302 PMCID: PMC8881003 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.797396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Free-range pullets are reared indoors but the adult hens can go outside which is a mismatch that may reduce adaptation in the laying environment. Rearing enrichments might enhance pullet development and adaptations to subsequent free-range housing with impact on behavior and health measures including gut microbiota. Adult free-range hens vary in range use which may also be associated with microbiota composition. A total of 1,700 Hy-Line Brown® chicks were reared indoors across 16 weeks with three enrichment treatment groups: “control” with standard litter housing, “novelty” with weekly changed novel objects, and “structural” with custom-designed perching structures in the pens. At 15 weeks, 45 pullet cecal contents were sampled before moving 1,386 pullets to the free-range housing system. At 25 weeks, range access commenced, and movements were tracked via radio-frequency identification technology. At 65 weeks, 91 hens were selected based on range use patterns (“indoor”: no ranging; “high outdoor”: daily ranging) across all rearing enrichment groups and cecal contents were collected for microbiota analysis via 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing at V3-V4 regions. The most common bacteria in pullets were unclassified Barnesiellaceae, Prevotella, Blautia and Clostridium and in hens Unclassified, Ruminococcus, unclassified Lachnospiraceae, unclassified Bacteroidales, unclassified Paraprevotellaceae YRC22, and Blautia. The microbial alpha diversity was not significant within the enrichment/ranging groups (pullets: P ≥ 0.17, hen rearing enrichment groups: P ≥ 0.06, hen ranging groups: P ≥ 0.54), but beta diversity significantly varied between these groups (pullets: P ≤ 0.002, hen rearing enrichment groups: P ≤ 0.001, hen ranging groups: P ≤ 0.008). Among the short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), the propionic acid content was higher (P = 0.03) in the novelty group of pullets than the control group. There were no other significant differences in the SCFA contents between the rearing enrichment groups (all P ≥ 0.10), and the ranging groups (all P ≥ 0.17). Most of the genera identified were more abundant in the indoor than high outdoor hens. Overall, rearing enrichments affected the cecal microbiota diversity of both pullets and adult hens and was able to distinguish hens that remained inside compared with hens that ranging daily for several hours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Saiful Bari
- School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, Australia
- Agriculture and Food, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Armidale, NSW, Australia
- Department of Dairy and Poultry Science, Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chattogram, Bangladesh
- *Correspondence: Md Saiful Bari,
| | - Sarbast K. Kheravii
- School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, Australia
| | - Yadav S. Bajagai
- Institute for Future Farming Systems, Central Queensland University, Rockhampton, QLD, Australia
| | - Shu-Biao Wu
- School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, Australia
| | - Chake Keerqin
- School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, Australia
| | - Dana L. M. Campbell
- Agriculture and Food, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Armidale, NSW, Australia
- Dana L. M. Campbell,
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Ruesga-Gutiérrez E, Ruvalcaba-Gómez JM, Gómez-Godínez LJ, Villagrán Z, Gómez-Rodríguez VM, Heredia-Nava D, Ramírez-Vega H, Arteaga-Garibay RI. Allium-Based Phytobiotic for Laying Hens' Supplementation: Effects on Productivity, Egg Quality, and Fecal Microbiota. Microorganisms 2022; 10:117. [PMID: 35056565 PMCID: PMC8777882 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10010117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The poultry industry is constantly demanding novel strategies to improve the productivity and health status of hens, prioritizing those based on the holistic use of natural resources. This study aimed to assess the effects of an Allium-based phytobiotic on productivity, egg quality, and fecal microbiota of laying hens. One hundred and ninety-two 14-week-old Lohmann Lite LSL hens were allocated into an experimental farm, fed with a commercial concentrate with and without the Allium-based phytobiotic, and challenged against Salmonella. Productivity, egg quality, and fecal microbiota were monitored for 20 weeks. Results showed that the phytobiotic caused an increase on the number of eggs laid (p < 0.05) and in the feed conversion rate (p < 0.05); meanwhile, egg quality, expressed as egg weight, albumin height, haugh units, egg shell strength, and egg shell thickness remained unchanged (p > 0.05), although yolk color was decreased. Fecal microbiota structure was also modified, indicating a modulation of the gut microbiota by increasing the presence of Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes but reducing Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria phyla. Predicted changes in the functional profiles of fecal microbiota suggest alterations in metabolic activities that could be responsible for the improvement and maintenance of productivity and egg quality when the phytobiotic was supplemented; thus, Allium-based phytobiotic has a major impact on the performance of laying hens associated with a possible gut microbiota modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edmundo Ruesga-Gutiérrez
- Centro Universitario de los Altos, Universidad de Guadalajara, Av. Rafael Casillas Aceves #1200, Tepatitlán de Morelos, Jalisco 47600, Mexico; (E.R.-G.); (Z.V.); (V.M.G.-R.); (D.H.-N.)
| | - José Martín Ruvalcaba-Gómez
- Centro Nacional de Recursos Genéticos, Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Forestales, Agrícolas y Pecuarias, Boulevard de la Biodiversidad #400, Tepatitlán de Morelos, Jalisco 47600, Mexico; (J.M.R.-G.); (L.J.G.-G.)
| | - Lorena Jacqueline Gómez-Godínez
- Centro Nacional de Recursos Genéticos, Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Forestales, Agrícolas y Pecuarias, Boulevard de la Biodiversidad #400, Tepatitlán de Morelos, Jalisco 47600, Mexico; (J.M.R.-G.); (L.J.G.-G.)
| | - Zuamí Villagrán
- Centro Universitario de los Altos, Universidad de Guadalajara, Av. Rafael Casillas Aceves #1200, Tepatitlán de Morelos, Jalisco 47600, Mexico; (E.R.-G.); (Z.V.); (V.M.G.-R.); (D.H.-N.)
| | - Victor M. Gómez-Rodríguez
- Centro Universitario de los Altos, Universidad de Guadalajara, Av. Rafael Casillas Aceves #1200, Tepatitlán de Morelos, Jalisco 47600, Mexico; (E.R.-G.); (Z.V.); (V.M.G.-R.); (D.H.-N.)
| | - Darwin Heredia-Nava
- Centro Universitario de los Altos, Universidad de Guadalajara, Av. Rafael Casillas Aceves #1200, Tepatitlán de Morelos, Jalisco 47600, Mexico; (E.R.-G.); (Z.V.); (V.M.G.-R.); (D.H.-N.)
| | - Humberto Ramírez-Vega
- Centro Universitario de los Altos, Universidad de Guadalajara, Av. Rafael Casillas Aceves #1200, Tepatitlán de Morelos, Jalisco 47600, Mexico; (E.R.-G.); (Z.V.); (V.M.G.-R.); (D.H.-N.)
| | - Ramón Ignacio Arteaga-Garibay
- Centro Nacional de Recursos Genéticos, Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Forestales, Agrícolas y Pecuarias, Boulevard de la Biodiversidad #400, Tepatitlán de Morelos, Jalisco 47600, Mexico; (J.M.R.-G.); (L.J.G.-G.)
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Kobek-Kjeldager C, Schönherz AA, Canibe N, Pedersen LJ. Diet and microbiota-gut-brain axis in relation to tail biting in pigs: A review. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2021.105514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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19
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Ruvalcaba-Gómez JM, Villagrán Z, Valdez-Alarcón JJ, Martínez-Núñez M, Gomez-Godínez LJ, Ruesga-Gutiérrez E, Anaya-Esparza LM, Arteaga-Garibay RI, Villarruel-López A. Non-Antibiotics Strategies to Control Salmonella Infection in Poultry. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:102. [PMID: 35011208 PMCID: PMC8749512 DOI: 10.3390/ani12010102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2021] [Revised: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Salmonella spp. is a facultative intracellular pathogen causing localized or systemic infections, involving economic and public health significance, and remains the leading pathogen of food safety concern worldwide, with poultry being the primary transmission vector. Antibiotics have been the main strategy for Salmonella control for many years, which has allowed producers to improve the growth and health of food-producing animals. However, the utilization of antibiotics has been reconsidered since bacterial pathogens have established and shared a variety of antibiotic resistance mechanisms that can quickly increase within microbial communities. The use of alternatives to antibiotics has been recommended and successfully applied in many countries, leading to the core aim of this review, focused on (1) describing the importance of Salmonella infection in poultry and the effects associated with the use of antibiotics for disease control; (2) discussing the use of feeding-based (prebiotics, probiotics, bacterial subproducts, phytobiotics) and non-feeding-based (bacteriophages, in ovo injection, vaccines) strategies in poultry production for Salmonella control; and (3) exploring the use of complementary strategies, highlighting those based on -omics tools, to assess the effects of using the available antibiotic-free alternatives and their role in lowering dependency on the existing antimicrobial substances to manage bacterial infections in poultry effectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Martín Ruvalcaba-Gómez
- National Center for Genetic Resources, National Institute of Forestry, Agriculture and Livestock Research, Boulevard de la Biodiversidad 400, Jalisco 47600, Mexico; (J.M.R.-G.); (L.J.G.-G.)
| | - Zuamí Villagrán
- Los Altos University Center, University of Guadalajara, Av. Rafael Casillas Aceves 1200, Jalisco 47600, Mexico; (Z.V.); (E.R.-G.); (L.M.A.-E.)
| | - Juan José Valdez-Alarcón
- Multidisciplinary Center for Biotechnology Studies, Centenary and Meritorious University of Michoacán of San Nicolás de Hidalgo, Michoacán 58893, Mexico;
| | | | - Lorena Jacqueline Gomez-Godínez
- National Center for Genetic Resources, National Institute of Forestry, Agriculture and Livestock Research, Boulevard de la Biodiversidad 400, Jalisco 47600, Mexico; (J.M.R.-G.); (L.J.G.-G.)
| | - Edmundo Ruesga-Gutiérrez
- Los Altos University Center, University of Guadalajara, Av. Rafael Casillas Aceves 1200, Jalisco 47600, Mexico; (Z.V.); (E.R.-G.); (L.M.A.-E.)
| | - Luis Miguel Anaya-Esparza
- Los Altos University Center, University of Guadalajara, Av. Rafael Casillas Aceves 1200, Jalisco 47600, Mexico; (Z.V.); (E.R.-G.); (L.M.A.-E.)
| | - Ramón Ignacio Arteaga-Garibay
- National Center for Genetic Resources, National Institute of Forestry, Agriculture and Livestock Research, Boulevard de la Biodiversidad 400, Jalisco 47600, Mexico; (J.M.R.-G.); (L.J.G.-G.)
| | - Angélica Villarruel-López
- University Center for Exact and Engineering Sciences, University of Guadalajara, Blvd. Marcelino García Barragán 1421, Jalisco 44430, Mexico
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Gut Microbiota Implications for Health and Welfare in Farm Animals: A Review. Animals (Basel) 2021; 12:ani12010093. [PMID: 35011199 PMCID: PMC8749645 DOI: 10.3390/ani12010093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2021] [Revised: 12/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Farm animal health and welfare have been paid increasing concern in the world, which is generally assessed by the measurements of physical health, immune response, behavior, and physiological indicators, such as stress-related hormone, cortisone, and norepinephrine. Gut microbiota as a “forgotten organ” has been reported for its great influence on the host phenotypes through the immune, neural, and endocrine pathways to affect the host health and behavior. In addition, fecal microbiota transplantation as a novel approach is applied to regulating the composition and function of the recipient farm animals. In this review, we summarized recent studies that gut microbiota influenced health, immunity, behavior, and stress response, as well as the progress of fecal microbiota transplantation in farm animals. The review will provide new insights into the measurement of farm animal health and welfare concerning gut microbiota, and the implication of fecal microbiota transplantation to improve productivity, health, and welfare. Above all, this review suggests that gut microbiota is a promising field to evaluate and improve animal welfare. Abstract In the past few decades, farm animal health and welfare have been paid increasing concern worldwide. Farm animal health and welfare are generally assessed by the measurements of physical health, immune response, behavior, and physiological indicators. The gut microbiota has been reported to have a great influence on host phenotypes, possibly via the immune processes, neural functions, and endocrine pathways, thereby influencing host phenotypes. However, there are few reviews regarding farm animals’ health and welfare status concerning the gut microbiota. In this point of view, (1) we reviewed recent studies showing that gut microbiota (higher alpha diversity, beneficial composition, and positive functions) effectively influenced health characteristics, immunity, behaviors, and stress response in farm animals (such as pigs, chickens, and cows), which would provide a novel approach to measure and evaluate the health status and welfare of farm animals. In addition, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) as one of the methods can modulate the recipient individual’s gut microbiota to realize the expected phenotype. Further, (2) we highlighted the application of FMT on the improvement of the production performance, the reduction in disease and abnormal behavior, as well as the attenuation of stress in farm animals. It is concluded that the gut microbiota can be scientifically used to assess and improve the welfare of farm animals. Moreover, FMT may be a helpful strategy to reduce abnormal behavior and improve stress adaption, as well as the treatment of disease for farm animals. This review suggests that gut microbiota is a promising field to evaluate and improve animal welfare.
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The gut microbiota and microbial metabolites are associated with tail biting in pigs. Sci Rep 2021; 11:20547. [PMID: 34654857 PMCID: PMC8521594 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-99741-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Tail biting is an abnormal behaviour that causes stress, injury and pain. Given the critical role of the gut-microbiota in the development of behavioural problems in humans and animals, the aim of this study was to determine whether pigs that are biters, victims of tail biting or controls (nine matched sets of pigs) have a different microbiota composition, diversity and microbial metabolite profile. We collected faecal and blood samples from each individual for analysis. The gut microbiota composition was most different between the biter and the control pigs, with a higher relative abundance of Firmicutes in tail biter pigs than the controls. Furthermore, we detected differences in faecal and plasma short chain fatty acids (SCFA) profiles between the biter and victim pigs, suggesting physiological differences even though they are kept in the same pen. Thus, in addition to supporting an association between the gut microbiota and tail biting in pigs, this study also provides the first evidence of an association between tail biting and SCFA. Therefore, further research is needed to confirm these associations, to determine causality and to study how the SCFA profiles of an individual play a role in the development of tail biting behaviour.
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Mindus C, van Staaveren N, Fuchs D, Gostner JM, Kjaer JB, Kunze W, Mian MF, Shoveller AK, Forsythe P, Harlander-Matauschek A. L. rhamnosus improves the immune response and tryptophan catabolism in laying hen pullets. Sci Rep 2021; 11:19538. [PMID: 34599202 PMCID: PMC8486881 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-98459-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
In mammals, early-life probiotic supplementation is a promising tool for preventing unfavourable, gut microbiome-related behavioural, immunological, and aromatic amino acid alterations later in life. In laying hens, feather-pecking behaviour is proposed to be a consequence of gut-brain axis dysregulation. Lactobacillus rhamnosus decreases stress-induced severe feather pecking in adult hens, but whether its effect in pullets is more robust is unknown. Consequently, we investigated whether early-life, oral supplementation with a single Lactobacillus rhamnosus strain can prevent stress-induced feather-pecking behaviour in chickens. To this end, we monitored both the short- and long-term effects of the probiotic supplement on behaviour and related physiological parameters. We hypothesized that L. rhamnosus would reduce pecking behaviour by modulating the biological pathways associated with this detrimental behaviour, namely aromatic amino acid turnover linked to neurotransmitter production and stress-related immune responses. We report that stress decreased the proportion of cytotoxic T cells in the tonsils (P = 0.047). Counteracting this T cell depression, birds receiving the L. rhamnosus supplementation significantly increased all T lymphocyte subset proportions (P < 0.05). Both phenotypic and genotypic feather peckers had lower plasma tryptophan concentrations compared to their non-pecking counterparts. The probiotic supplement caused a short-term increase in plasma tryptophan (P < 0.001) and the TRP:(PHE + TYR) ratio (P < 0.001). The administration of stressors did not significantly increase feather pecking in pullets, an observation consistent with the age-dependent onset of pecking behaviour. Despite minimal changes to behaviour, our data demonstrate the impact of L. rhamnosus supplementation on the immune system and the turnover of the serotonin precursor tryptophan. Our findings indicate that L. rhamnosus exerts a transient, beneficial effect on the immune response and tryptophan catabolism in pullets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Mindus
- grid.34429.380000 0004 1936 8198Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1 Canada
| | - Nienke van Staaveren
- grid.34429.380000 0004 1936 8198Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1 Canada
| | - Dietmar Fuchs
- grid.5361.10000 0000 8853 2677Institute of Biological Chemistry, Biocenter, Center for Chemistry and Biomedicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Johanna M. Gostner
- grid.5361.10000 0000 8853 2677Institute of Medical Biochemistry, Biocenter, Center for Chemistry and Biomedicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Joergen B. Kjaer
- grid.417834.dInstitute of Animal Welfare and Animal Husbandry, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Celle, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Kunze
- grid.25073.330000 0004 1936 8227Brain-Body Institute, St. Joseph’s Healthcare, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1 Canada
| | - M. Firoz Mian
- grid.25073.330000 0004 1936 8227Division of Respirology, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, 50 Charlton Avenue East, Hamilton, ON L8N 4A6 Canada
| | - Anna K. Shoveller
- grid.34429.380000 0004 1936 8198Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1 Canada
| | - Paul Forsythe
- grid.25073.330000 0004 1936 8227Division of Respirology, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, 50 Charlton Avenue East, Hamilton, ON L8N 4A6 Canada
| | - Alexandra Harlander-Matauschek
- grid.34429.380000 0004 1936 8198Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1 Canada
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Mindus C, van Staaveren N, Bharwani A, Fuchs D, Gostner JM, Kjaer JB, Kunze W, Mian MF, Shoveller AK, Forsythe P, Harlander-Matauschek A. Ingestion of Lactobacillus rhamnosus modulates chronic stress-induced feather pecking in chickens. Sci Rep 2021; 11:17119. [PMID: 34429482 PMCID: PMC8384842 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-96615-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Feather pecking (FP) is a stress-induced neuropsychological disorder of birds. Intestinal dysbiosis and inflammation are common traits of these disorders. FP is, therefore, proposed to be a behavioral consequence of dysregulated communication between the gut and the brain. Probiotic bacteria are known to favorably modulate the gut microbiome and hence the neurochemical and immune components of the gut-brain axis. Consequently, probiotic supplementation represents a promising new therapeutic to mitigate widespread FP in domestic chickens. We monitored FP, gut microbiota composition, immune markers, and amino acids related to the production of neurochemicals in chickens supplemented with Lactobacillus rhamnosus or a placebo. Data demonstrate that, when stressed, the incidence of FP increased significantly; however, L. rhamnosus prevented this increase. L. rhamnosus supplementation showed a strong immunological effect by increasing the regulatory T cell population of the spleen and the cecal tonsils, in addition to limiting cecal microbiota dysbiosis. Despite minimal changes in aromatic amino acid levels, data suggest that catecholaminergic circuits may be an interesting target for further studies. Overall, our findings provide the first data supporting the use of a single-strain probiotic to reduce stress-induced FP in chickens and promise to improve domestic birds' welfare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Mindus
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Nienke van Staaveren
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Aadil Bharwani
- Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Dietmar Fuchs
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Biocenter, Center for Chemistry and Biomedicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Johanna M Gostner
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry, Biocenter, Center for Chemistry and Biomedicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Joergen B Kjaer
- Institute of Animal Welfare and Animal Husbandry, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Celle, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Kunze
- Brain-Body Institute, St. Joseph's Healthcare, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - M Firoz Mian
- Division of Respirology, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, 50 Charlton Avenue East, Hamilton, ON, L8N 4A6, Canada
| | - Anna K Shoveller
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Paul Forsythe
- Division of Respirology, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, 50 Charlton Avenue East, Hamilton, ON, L8N 4A6, Canada
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Khan S, Chousalkar KK. Functional enrichment of gut microbiome by early supplementation of Bacillus based probiotic in cage free hens: a field study. Anim Microbiome 2021; 3:50. [PMID: 34315535 PMCID: PMC8314476 DOI: 10.1186/s42523-021-00112-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The chicken gut microbiota passes through different stages of maturation; therefore, strengthening it with well characterised probiotics increases its resilience required for optimum gut health and wellbeing. However, there is limited information on the interaction of Bacillus based probiotics with gut microbial community members in cage free laying chickens both in rearing and production phases of life. In the current study, we investigated the changes in the gut microbiome of free range hens in the field after Bacillus based probiotic supplementation. RESULTS Overall, at phylum level, probiotic supplementation increased the populations of Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria mainly at the expense of Firmicutes. The population of Bacteroidetes significantly increased during the production as compared to the rearing phase, and its higher population in the probiotic-supplemented chickens reflects the positive role of Bacillus based probiotic in gut health. Core differences in the beta diversity suggest that probiotic supplementation decreased microbial compositionality. The non-significant difference in alpha diversity between the probiotic and control chickens showed that the composition of community structure did not change. No Salmonella spp. were isolated from the probiotic supplemented birds. Egg internal quality was significantly higher, while egg production and body weight did not differ. Functional prediction data showed that probiotic supplementation enriched metabolic pathways, such as vitamin B6 metabolism, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, monobactam biosynthesis, RNA degradation, retinol metabolism, pantothenate and CoA biosynthesis, phosphonate and phosphinate metabolism, AMPK signaling pathway, cationic antimicrobial peptide (CAMP) resistance and tyrosine metabolism. CONCLUSIONS Overall, age was the main factor affecting the composition and diversity of gut microbiota, where probiotic supplementation improved the abundance of many useful candidates in the gut microbial communities. The generated baseline data in the current study highlights the importance of the continuous use of Bacillus based probiotic for optimum gut health and production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samiullah Khan
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, South Australia, 5371, Australia
| | - Kapil K Chousalkar
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, South Australia, 5371, Australia.
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Borda-Molina D, Iffland H, Schmid M, Müller R, Schad S, Seifert J, Tetens J, Bessei W, Bennewitz J, Camarinha-Silva A. Gut Microbial Composition and Predicted Functions Are Not Associated with Feather Pecking and Antagonistic Behavior in Laying Hens. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:235. [PMID: 33809351 PMCID: PMC8001194 DOI: 10.3390/life11030235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Feather pecking is a well-known problem in layer flocks that causes animal welfare restrictions and contributes to economic losses. Birds' gut microbiota has been linked to feather pecking. This study aims to characterize the microbial communities of two laying hen lines divergently selected for high (HFP) and low (LFP) feather pecking and investigates if the microbiota is associated with feather pecking or agonistic behavior. METHODS Besides phenotyping for the behavioral traits, microbial communities from the digesta and mucosa of the ileum and caeca were investigated using target amplicon sequencing and functional predictions. Microbiability was estimated with a microbial mixed linear model. RESULTS Ileum digesta showed an increase in the abundance of the genus Lactobacillus in LFP, while Escherichia was abundant in HFP hens. In the caeca digesta and mucosa of the LFP line were more abundant Faecalibacterium and Blautia. Tryptophan metabolism and lysine degradation were higher in both digesta and mucosa of the HFP hens. Linear models revealed that the two lines differ significantly in all behavior traits. Microbiabilities were close to zero and not significant in both lines and for all traits. CONCLUSIONS Trait variation was not affected by the gut microbial composition in both selection lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Borda-Molina
- Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany; (D.B.-M.); (H.I.); (M.S.); (R.M.); (S.S.); (J.S.); (W.B.); (J.B.)
| | - Hanna Iffland
- Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany; (D.B.-M.); (H.I.); (M.S.); (R.M.); (S.S.); (J.S.); (W.B.); (J.B.)
| | - Markus Schmid
- Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany; (D.B.-M.); (H.I.); (M.S.); (R.M.); (S.S.); (J.S.); (W.B.); (J.B.)
| | - Regina Müller
- Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany; (D.B.-M.); (H.I.); (M.S.); (R.M.); (S.S.); (J.S.); (W.B.); (J.B.)
| | - Svenja Schad
- Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany; (D.B.-M.); (H.I.); (M.S.); (R.M.); (S.S.); (J.S.); (W.B.); (J.B.)
| | - Jana Seifert
- Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany; (D.B.-M.); (H.I.); (M.S.); (R.M.); (S.S.); (J.S.); (W.B.); (J.B.)
| | - Jens Tetens
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Göttingen, 37073 Göttingen, Germany;
- Center for Integrated Breeding Research, University of Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Werner Bessei
- Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany; (D.B.-M.); (H.I.); (M.S.); (R.M.); (S.S.); (J.S.); (W.B.); (J.B.)
| | - Jörn Bennewitz
- Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany; (D.B.-M.); (H.I.); (M.S.); (R.M.); (S.S.); (J.S.); (W.B.); (J.B.)
| | - Amélia Camarinha-Silva
- Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany; (D.B.-M.); (H.I.); (M.S.); (R.M.); (S.S.); (J.S.); (W.B.); (J.B.)
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Cronin GM, Glatz PC. Causes of feather pecking and subsequent welfare issues for the laying hen: a review. ANIMAL PRODUCTION SCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.1071/an19628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
When feather-pecking behaviour by hens becomes repetitive, plumage damage often results for the recipient of the pecks. The forceful removal of feathers and vigorous pecks directed at the skin may also cause pain, fear and even wounds. ‘Outbreaks’ of pecking behaviour have been reported in all housing systems in which poultry are managed. Pecking may progress to cannibalism and death, thus constituting significant hen welfare and farm economy problems. Farmers apply preventative management practices to minimise the risk of outbreaks. However, outbreaks are unpredictable and, once in progress, are difficult to control, especially in non-cage housing systems. For more than a century, research has been directed at trying to identify the causal factors underlying this problem, without success. The problem is multi-factorial and different studies often identify contradictory findings, such as, for example, in relation to the effects of adding forage to increase environmental enrichment, among others. The present review aims to provide background information about severe feather-pecking behaviour in laying hens, with mention of the resultant issues from repeated performance, such as, for example, on feather cover over the life of the laying hen. On-farm surveys, epidemiological studies and experimental trials have generated much information that has improved our general understanding of the significance of the problem, even though studies have typically been inconclusive due to its multi-factorial causes. While ‘Good Practice Guides’ are available and provide relevant advice for farmers to manage flocks to minimise the risk of outbreaks, we suggest significant progress towards identifying the root-cause(s) of the problem will more likely be achieved through controlled experimental trials using research models than through survey approaches. For example, using a stress-induction model, researchers should first focus on the impact of cumulative stressors in the flock that seem to predispose a hen to either become a feather pecker, or be the victim of pecking. Subsequent research should then investigate the affected hens for altered behavioural or (neuro-) physiological states, or physical stimuli on the skin and feathers, that may increase the motivation of hens to become feather peckers.
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Falker-Gieske C, Mott A, Preuß S, Franzenburg S, Bessei W, Bennewitz J, Tetens J. Analysis of the brain transcriptome in lines of laying hens divergently selected for feather pecking. BMC Genomics 2020; 21:595. [PMID: 32854615 PMCID: PMC7457272 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-020-07002-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Feather pecking (FP) in laying hens reduces animal welfare and leads to economic losses for the layer industry. FP is considered a heritable condition that is influenced by dysregulation of neurotransmitter homeostasis, the gut microbiome, and the immune system. To identify genes and biological pathways responsible for FP behavior we compared the brain transcriptomes of 48 hens divergently selected for FP. In addition, we tested if high feather peckers (HFP) and low feather peckers (LFP) respond differently to light since light has been shown to trigger FP behavior. Results Of approximately 48 million reads/sample an average of 98.4% were mapped to the chicken genome (GRCg6a). We found 13,070 expressed genes in the analyzed brains of which 423 showed differential expression between HFP and LFP. Genes of uncertain function and non-coding RNAs were overrepresented among those transcripts. Functional analyses revealed the involvement of cholinergic signaling, postsynaptic activity, membrane channels, and the immune system. After the light stimulus, 28 genes were found to be differentially expressed. These included an interaction cluster of core components of the circadian clock. However, differences in the response to light between HFP and LFP were not detectable. Conclusions Genes involved in cholinergic signaling, channel activity, synaptic transmission, and immune response were found to be involved in FP behavior. We propose a model in which the gut microbiota modulates the immune system, which in turn affects cholinergic signaling. This might have an influence on monoamine signaling with possible involvement of GABA or glutamate signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clemens Falker-Gieske
- Department of Animal Sciences, Georg-August-University, Burckhardtweg 2, 37077, Göttingen, Germany.
| | - Andrea Mott
- Department of Animal Sciences, Georg-August-University, Burckhardtweg 2, 37077, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Siegfried Preuß
- Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstr. 17, 70599, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Sören Franzenburg
- Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, Rosalind-Franklin-Straße 12, 24105, Kiel, Germany
| | - Werner Bessei
- Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstr. 17, 70599, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Jörn Bennewitz
- Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstr. 17, 70599, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Jens Tetens
- Department of Animal Sciences, Georg-August-University, Burckhardtweg 2, 37077, Göttingen, Germany.,Center for Integrated Breeding Research, Georg-August-University, Albrecht-Thaer-Weg 3, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
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Mens A, van Krimpen M, Kwakkel R. Nutritional approaches to reduce or prevent feather pecking in laying hens: any potential to intervene during rearing? WORLD POULTRY SCI J 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/00439339.2020.1772024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- A.J.W. Mens
- Wageningen Livestock Research, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
- Animal Nutrition Group, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - M.M. van Krimpen
- Wageningen Livestock Research, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - R.P. Kwakkel
- Animal Nutrition Group, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
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Cecal motility and the impact of Lactobacillus in feather pecking laying hens. Sci Rep 2020; 10:12978. [PMID: 32737381 PMCID: PMC7395806 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-69928-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The gut-microbiota-brain axis is implicated in the development of behavioural disorders in mammals. As such, its potential role in disruptive feather pecking (FP) in birds cannot be ignored. Birds with a higher propensity to perform FP have distinct microbiota profiles and feed transit times compared to non-pecking counterparts. Consequently, we hypothesize that the gut microbiota is intimately linked to FP and gut motility, which presents the possibility of using probiotics to control FP behaviour. In the present study, we aim to assess the relationship between cecal motility and the probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus in chickens classified as peckers (P, 13 birds) and non-peckers (NP, 17 birds). We show that cecal contractions were 68% less frequent and their amplitude increased by 58% in the presence of L. rhamnosus. Furthermore, the number of FP bouts performed by P birds was positively correlated with contraction velocity and amplitude. We present the first account of gut motility measurements in birds with distinct FP phenotypes. Importantly, the present work demonstrates the clear impact of a probiotic on cecal contractions. These findings lay the foundation for identifying biological differences between P and NP birds which will support the development of FP control strategies.
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Parois SP, Duttlinger AW, Richert BT, Lindemann SR, Johnson JS, Marchant-Forde JN. Effects of Three Distinct 2-Week Long Diet Strategies After Transport on Weaned Pigs' Short and Long-Term Welfare Markers, Behaviors, and Microbiota. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:140. [PMID: 32258069 PMCID: PMC7090170 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.00140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2019] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Alternative feed supplements have shown promising effects in terms of performance, but their effects on welfare have had little evaluation. In the present study, we aimed at evaluating the effect of diet supplementation on welfare indicators. A total of 246 piglets were weaned and transported for 12 h. After transport, they were assigned to one of 3 diets for a 14-day period: A-an antibiotic diet including chlortetracycline and tiamulin, NA-a control diet without any antibiotic or feed supplement, GLN-a diet including 0.20% L-glutamine. After the 14-day period, all piglets were fed the same diet. Tear staining was measured 11 times post-weaning (from d0 to 147). Skin lesions were counted before and after weaning (d-2, 2, and 36). Novel object tests (NOT) were done in groups 4 times post-weaning (d17, 47, 85, 111). Samples for 16S rRNA gene composition were collected prior to transport (d0), following the 14-day period (d14) and at the conclusion of the nursery phase (d34). The NA pigs appeared less interested in novel objects. On d17, they avoided the object less than A pigs (P < 0.05). They spent less time exploring the object on d85 and took longer to interact with the object on d111 than A and GLN pigs (P < 0.05). NA pigs also appeared more sensitive to environment and management. They had larger tear stains than GLN pigs on d84 and 110 (P < 0.05). On d2, NA pigs had more lesions than A and GLN (P < 0.01). In terms of microbiota composition, GLN had higher α-diversity than A and NA (P < 0.001). Differences between dietary treatments were absent at d0, were demonstrated at d14 and disappeared at d34. Pearson correlations between aggression, stress and anxiety indicators and bacterial populations were medium to high from 0.31 to 0.69. The results demonstrate that short-term feeding strategy can have both short- and long-term effects on behavior and welfare, that may partly be explained by changes in gut microbiota composition. Supplementation with GLN appears to confer similar benefits to dietary antibiotics and thus could be a viable alternative.
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Affiliation(s)
- Severine P. Parois
- PEGASE, Agrocampus Ouest, INRA, Saint-Gilles, France
- USDA-ARS, Livestock Behavior Research Unit, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Alan W. Duttlinger
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Brian T. Richert
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Stephen R. Lindemann
- Department of Food Science, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Jay S. Johnson
- USDA-ARS, Livestock Behavior Research Unit, West Lafayette, IN, United States
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van der Eijk JAJ, Rodenburg TB, de Vries H, Kjaer JB, Smidt H, Naguib M, Kemp B, Lammers A. Early-life microbiota transplantation affects behavioural responses, serotonin and immune characteristics in chicken lines divergently selected on feather pecking. Sci Rep 2020; 10:2750. [PMID: 32066789 PMCID: PMC7026165 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-59125-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2019] [Accepted: 01/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Gut microbiota influences host behaviour and physiology, such as anxiety, stress, serotonergic and immune systems. These behavioural and physiological characteristics are related to feather pecking (FP), a damaging behaviour in chickens that reduces animal welfare and productivity. Moreover, high FP (HFP) and low FP (LFP) lines differed in microbiota composition. However, it is unknown whether microbiota can influence the development of FP. For the first time, we identified the effects of microbiota transplantation on FP, and behavioural and physiological characteristics related to FP. HFP and LFP chicks received sterile saline (control), HFP or LFP microbiota transplantation during the first two weeks post-hatch. Microbiota transplantation influenced behavioural responses of the HFP line during treatment and of the LFP line after treatment. In both lines, homologous microbiota transplantation (i.e., receiving microbiota from their line) resulted in more active behavioural responses. Furthermore, microbiota transplantation influenced immune characteristics (natural antibodies) in both lines and peripheral serotonin in the LFP line. However, limited effects on microbiota composition, stress response (corticosterone) and FP were noted. Thus, early-life microbiota transplantation had immediate and long-term effects on behavioural responses and long-term effects on immune characteristics and peripheral serotonin; however, the effects were dependent on host genotype. Since early-life microbiota transplantation influenced behavioural and physiological characteristics that are related to FP, it could thus influence the development of FP later in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerine A J van der Eijk
- Behavioural Ecology Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands.
- Adaptation Physiology Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands.
| | - T Bas Rodenburg
- Adaptation Physiology Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
- Department of Animals in Science and Society, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Hugo de Vries
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Joergen B Kjaer
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Institute of Animal Welfare and Animal Husbandry, Celle, Germany
| | - Hauke Smidt
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Marc Naguib
- Behavioural Ecology Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Bas Kemp
- Adaptation Physiology Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Aart Lammers
- Adaptation Physiology Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
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van der Eijk JAJ, Verwoolde MB, de Vries Reilingh G, Jansen CA, Rodenburg TB, Lammers A. Chicken lines divergently selected on feather pecking differ in immune characteristics. Physiol Behav 2019; 212:112680. [PMID: 31518579 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2019.112680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2019] [Revised: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 09/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
It is crucial to identify whether relations between immune characteristics and damaging behaviors in production animals exist, as these behaviors reduce animal welfare and productivity. Feather pecking (FP) is a damaging behavior in chickens, which involves hens pecking and pulling at feathers of conspecifics. To further identify relationships between the immune system and FP we characterized high FP (HFP) and low FP (LFP) selection lines with regard to nitric oxide (NO) production by monocytes, specific antibody (SpAb) titers, natural (auto)antibody (N(A)Ab) titers and immune cell subsets. NO production by monocytes was measured as indicator for innate pro-inflammatory immune functioning, SpAb titers were measured as part of the adaptive immune system and N(A)Ab titers were measured as they play an essential role in both innate and adaptive immunity. Immune cell subsets were measured to identify whether differences in immune characteristics were reflected by differences in the relative abundance of immune cell subsets. Divergent selection on FP affected NO production by monocytes, SpAb and N(A)Ab titers, but did not affect immune cell subsets. The HFP line showed higher NO production by monocytes and higher IgG N(A)Ab titers compared to the LFP line. Furthermore the HFP line tended to have lower IgM NAAb titers, but higher IgM and IgG SpAb titers compared to the LFP line. Thus, divergent selection on FP affects the innate and adaptive immune system, where the HFP line seems to have a more responsive immune system compared to the LFP line. Although causation cannot be established in the present study, it is clear that relationships between the immune system and FP exist. Therefore, it is important to take these relationships into account when selecting on behavioral or immunological traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerine A J van der Eijk
- Behavioural Ecology Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands; Adaptation Physiology Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands.
| | - Michel B Verwoolde
- Adaptation Physiology Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands; Animal Nutrition Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Ger de Vries Reilingh
- Adaptation Physiology Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Christine A Jansen
- Avian Immunology Group, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - T Bas Rodenburg
- Behavioural Ecology Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands; Adaptation Physiology Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands; Department of Animals in Science and Society, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Aart Lammers
- Adaptation Physiology Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
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