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Shi K, Liu X, Duan Y, Jiang X, Li N, Du Y, Li D, Feng C. Dynamic Changes in Intestinal Gene Expression and Microbiota across Chicken Egg-Laying Stages. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1529. [PMID: 38891577 PMCID: PMC11171086 DOI: 10.3390/ani14111529] [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: 04/22/2024] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Eggs are a vital dietary component for humans, and it is beneficial to increase egg production to support poultry farming. Initially, the egg production rate rises rapidly with young hens until it reaches its peak, and then it declines gradually. By extending the duration of peak egg production, the hens' performance can be enhanced significantly. Previous studies found dynamic changes in gut microbiota during egg-laying, and several species of microbiota isolated from the chicken gut improved egg-laying performance. However, the interaction between microbes and host gene expression is still unclear. This study provides a more comprehensive understanding of chicken egg-laying by examining dynamic alterations in the microbiota of the entire intestinal tract (i.e., duodenum, jejunum, and ileum) and gene expression. The microbial community in the intestine underwent significant changes during different egg-laying periods (i.e., pre-, peak-, and late-laying periods). Metagenomic functional analysis showed that the relative abundance of biosynthesis of amino acids, secondary metabolites, and cofactors decreased significantly in the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum of aging hens. The relative levels of aldosterone, GnRH, insulin, growth hormone, and other hormone-related pathways increased dramatically in the intestinal microbiota during egg-laying, but only in the microbiota located in the duodenum and ileum. Transcriptome analysis suggested that genes associated with various transport processes were upregulated consistently in the small intestine during egg-laying; genes involved in the development of intestinal structure were down-regulated; and genes involved in response to DNA damage and stress were consistent with changes in laying rate. The abundance of Lactobacillus was related to the expression of ANGPTRL1, ANGPTRL2, ANGPT1L, and NOXO1 in the duodenum; Muricomes was correlated significantly with NFKBIZ, LYG2, and IRG1L expression in the jejunum; and Campylobacter was correlated positively with the expression of KMT2A and USF3 in the ileum. These results indicated that the intestinal microbiota and host gene expression may influence egg production jointly.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Chungang Feng
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; (K.S.); (X.J.); (D.L.)
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Fernández Miyakawa ME, Casanova NA, Kogut MH. How did antibiotic growth promoters increase growth and feed efficiency in poultry? Poult Sci 2024; 103:103278. [PMID: 38052127 PMCID: PMC10746532 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2023.103278] [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: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
It has been hypothesized that reducing the bioenergetic costs of gut inflammation as an explanation for the effect of antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) on animal efficiency, framing some observations but not explaining the increase in growth rate or the prevention of infectious diseases. The host's ability to adapt to alterations in environmental conditions and to maintain health involves managing all physiological interactions that regulate homeostasis. Thus, metabolic pathways are vital in regulating physiological health as the energetic demands of the host guides most biological functions. Mitochondria are not only the metabolic heart of the cell because of their role in energy metabolism and oxidative phosphorylation, but also a central hub of signal transduction pathways that receive messages about the health and nutritional states of cells and tissues. In response, mitochondria direct cellular and tissue physiological alterations throughout the host. The endosymbiotic theory suggests that mitochondria evolved from prokaryotes, emphasizing the idea that these organelles can be affected by some antibiotics. Indeed, therapeutic levels of several antibiotics can be toxic to mitochondria, but subtherapeutic levels may improve mitochondrial function and defense mechanisms by inducing an adaptive response of the cell, resulting in mitokine production which coordinates an array of adaptive responses of the host to the stressor(s). This adaptive stress response is also observed in several bacteria species, suggesting that this protective mechanism has been preserved during evolution. Concordantly, gut microbiome modulation by subinhibitory concentration of AGPs could be the result of direct stimulation rather than inhibition of determined microbial species. In eukaryotes, these adaptive responses of the mitochondria to internal and external environmental conditions, can promote growth rate of the organism as an evolutionary strategy to overcome potential negative conditions. We hypothesize that direct and indirect subtherapeutic AGP regulation of mitochondria functional output can regulate homeostatic control mechanisms in a manner similar to those involved with disease tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariano Enrique Fernández Miyakawa
- Institute of Pathobiology, National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA), Argentina; National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina..
| | - Natalia Andrea Casanova
- Institute of Pathobiology, National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA), Argentina; National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Michael H Kogut
- Southern Plains Agricultural Research Center, USDA-ARS, College Station, TX, USA
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England AD, Heras-Saldana SDL, Gharib-Naseri K, Kheravii SK, Wu SB. The effect of sex and dietary crude protein level on nutrient transporter gene expression and cecal microbiota populations in broiler chickens. Poult Sci 2024; 103:103268. [PMID: 38035473 PMCID: PMC10698011 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2023.103268] [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: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
It is well known that male and female broilers differ in their growth performance and that many physiological factors contribute to this difference. The aim of this experiment is to investigate if there are differences between male and female broilers in cecal microbiota and nutrient transporter gene expression and if these differences play a role in the growth performance of broilers. The possible effect of protein level and its interaction with sex on microbiota and expression of the nutrient transporters were also investigated. Samples were collected from male and female birds fed either standard crude protein (SCP) or reduced crude protein diets (RCP) at the age of d 35. The experiment was designed as a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments consisting of 448 Cobb 500 broilers assigned to 32-floor pens with 4 treatments, 8 replicates, and 14 birds per pen for performance measurements. The factors were sex (male or female) and dietary crude protein (CP) level (standard or reduced). Body weight gain (BWG), feed intake and feed conversion ratio were recorded for each pen. Sex had a significant effect on BWG and FCR (P < 0.001) where males had a significantly higher BWG and better FCR compared to females. There was a significant interaction between sex and protein level on feed intake (FI) (P < 0.05), where male birds had a higher FI compared to female birds only when the birds were fed SCP but not RCP diets. There was a significant interaction between CP level and sex on the expression of CAT2 (P = 0.02) and PEPT2 (P = 0.026) where the genes were significantly upregulated in females but only when the RCP diet was fed. The RCP diet upregulated the expression of BoAT (P = 0.03) as a main effect. Female birds had significantly higher expression of the PepT-2 gene compared to the males. The alpha diversity of the cecal microbiota showed differences among the treatments. The Shannon diversity index was statistically higher (P = 0.036) for males fed the SCP diet and the Chao1 index for evenness was statistically higher (P = 0.027) in females fed the SCP diet. There was also a difference in the relative abundance of the 15 most common genera found in the cecal content of the broilers in this experiment and lastly, the differential composition of microbiota between the different treatments was also significantly different. This study suggests that chickens are able to compensate for a reduction in AA substrates when fed a low CP diet through the upregulation of certain AA transporters, females may adapt to low CP diets better by such upregulation compared to males, and lastly, sex has an effect on the cecal microbial population and these differences contribute towards the performance differences between male and female broilers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley D England
- School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale NSW 2351, Australia
| | - Sara de Las Heras-Saldana
- Animal Genetics and Breeding Unit, School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale NSW 2351, Australia
| | - Kosar Gharib-Naseri
- School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale NSW 2351, Australia
| | - Sarbast K Kheravii
- School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale NSW 2351, Australia
| | - Shu-Biao Wu
- School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale NSW 2351, Australia.
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Duangnumsawang Y, Zentek J, Vahjen W, Tarradas J, Boroojeni FG. Impact of feed additives and host-related factors on bacterial metabolites, mucosal integrity and immune response in the ileum of broilers. Vet Res Commun 2023; 47:1861-1878. [PMID: 37160636 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-023-10135-9] [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: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
The present study aimed to investigate the effect of age, breed, and sex of broilers, as well as a probiotic or phytobiotic product on mucosal morphology, bacterial metabolites, and immune traits in the ileum of broilers. A total of 2,880 one-day-old male and female broiler chicks from two breeds (Ross308® and Cobb500®) were randomly assigned to 72 pens. Broilers were offered a wheat-soybean diet without (CO), or with either a probiotic (PO; 2.4 × 109 CFU/kg of Bacillus subtilis DSM32324 and DSM32325 and B. amyloliquefaciens DSM25840) or a phytobiotic (PY; grape extract, 165 ppm procyanidin and 585 ppm polyphenols of the diet) product. The trial was conducted with a 3 × 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of diet, breed, and sex in a completely randomized design (6 replicate-pens per treatment). At day 7, 21, and 35, one chicken per pen was slaughtered for collecting ileal tissue to evaluate of histomorphology and mRNA expression, as well as ileal digesta to measure bacterial metabolites. Data were subjected to ANOVA (the main factors; age, diet, breed, and sex) and Four-Way ANOVA (interactions) using GLM procedure. Overall, the concentration of acetate and total short chain fatty acids reached the peak and lactate decreased to its lowest on day 21, but their concentrations at day 7 and 35 were similar (p > 0.05). Spermine, spermidine, and ammonia decreased after day 7, while putrescine and cadaverine increased after day 21 (p < 0.05). mRNA expression of cytokines, mucin 2 (MUC2) and claudin 5 (CLDN5) was similar; increased from day 7 to 21 and decreased afterward (p < 0.05). Villus height, crypt depth and villus surface area increased with age (p < 0.05). Acidic goblet cells (GC) number and density increased after day 21 (p < 0.05). Ross broilers showed higher D-lactate concentration and IFN-γ expression, while Cobb broilers had greater IL-4, IL-6 and TNF-α expression and higher total GC number (p < 0.05). Female displayed higher villus height and GC number and density (mixed and total GC) than male (p < 0.05). The effect of dietary treatment was not found on any investigated variables (p > 0.05). In conclusion, aging of broilers affected ileal histomorphology, cytokine expression, and barrier integrity, as well as bacterial activity. These observed impacts could be attributed to host-microbiota interaction and the direct effects of bacterial metabolites on intestinal cells and immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yada Duangnumsawang
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, Prince of Songkla University, Hatyai, Songkhla, Thailand
| | - Jürgen Zentek
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Wilfried Vahjen
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Joan Tarradas
- ‡Institute for Food and Agricultural Research and Technology IRTA, Constantí, Spain
| | - Farshad Goodarzi Boroojeni
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
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Kim JE, Tun HM, Bennett DC, Leung FC, Cheng KM. Microbial diversity and metabolic function in duodenum, jejunum and ileum of emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae). Sci Rep 2023; 13:4488. [PMID: 36934111 PMCID: PMC10024708 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-31684-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Emus (Dromaius novaehollandiae), a large flightless omnivorous ratite, are farmed for their fat and meat. Emu fat can be rendered into oil for therapeutic and cosmetic use. They are capable of gaining a significant portion of its daily energy requirement from the digestion of plant fibre. Despite of its large body size and low metabolic rate, emus have a relatively simple gastroinstetinal (GI) tract with a short mean digesta retention time. However, little is known about the GI microbial diversity of emus. The objective of this study was to characterize the intraluminal intestinal bacterial community in the different segments of small intestine (duodenum, jejunum, and ileum) using pyrotag sequencing and compare that with the ceca. Gut content samples were collected from each of four adult emus (2 males, 2 females; 5-6 years old) that were free ranged but supplemented with a barley-alfalfa-canola based diet. We amplified the V3-V5 region of 16S rRNA gene to identify the bacterial community using Roche 454 Junior system. After quality trimming, a total of 165,585 sequence reads were obtained from different segments of the small intestine (SI). A total of 701 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were identified in the different segments of small intestine. Firmicutes (14-99%) and Proteobacteria (0.5-76%) were the most predominant bacterial phyla in the small intestine. Based on species richness estimation (Chao1 index), the average number of estimated OTUs in the small intestinal compartments were 148 in Duodenum, 167 in Jejunum, and 85 in Ileum, respectively. Low number of core OTUs identified in each compartment of small intestine across individual birds (Duodenum: 13 OTUs, Jejunum: 2 OTUs, Ileum: 14 OTUs) indicated unique bacterial community in each bird. Moreover, only 2 OTUs (Escherichia and Sinobacteraceae) were identified as core bacteria along the whole small intestine. PICRUSt analysis has indicated that the detoxification of plant material and environmental chemicals seem to be performed by SI microbiota, especially those in the jejunum. The emu cecal microbiome has more genes than SI segments involving in protective or immune response to enteric pathogens. Microbial digestion and fermentation is mostly in the jejunum and ceca. This is the first study to characterize the microbiota of different compartments of the emu intestines via gut samples and not fecal samples. Results from this study allow us to further investigate the influence of the seasonal and physiological changes of intestinal microbiota on the nutrition of emus and indirectly influence the fatty acid composition of emu fat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Eun Kim
- Avian Research Centre, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, 2357 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Hein M Tun
- School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing, Faculty of Medicine, HKU-Pasteur Research Pole, University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong SAR, China
- JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Sha Tin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Darin C Bennett
- Avian Research Centre, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, 2357 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
- Animal Science Department, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, CA, 93407, USA
| | - Frederick C Leung
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Kimberly M Cheng
- Avian Research Centre, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, 2357 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada.
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England A, Gharib-Naseri K, Kheravii SK, Wu SB. Influence of sex and rearing method on performance and flock uniformity in broilers-implications for research settings. ANIMAL NUTRITION (ZHONGGUO XU MU SHOU YI XUE HUI) 2022; 12:276-283. [PMID: 36712408 PMCID: PMC9869427 DOI: 10.1016/j.aninu.2022.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Male and female broiler chickens differ in their growth performance, carcass part weights and nutrient requirements. The potential reasons for these differences have been explored by looking at differences in nutrient digestibility, nutrient transporter gene expression as well as gut microbiota populations between male and female birds. Studies have shown that male broilers have higher crude protein requirements compared to female broilers. The expression of monosaccharide and amino acid transporters show conflicting results as expression depends on the interactions between sex and bird age and breed as well as which tissue is sampled. Differences in microbiota populations between the genders were reported which may contribute towards performance differences, however research in this area is limited. The differences observed between the sexes contribute to increased variation in nutrition trials, and the potential to rear birds as equally mixed-sex becomes an option to reduce the variation introduced by the sex effect. Difference in rearing options obviously would only be feasible provided a quick, practical and cost-effective method of sexing birds is available, a topic that is also discussed in this review.
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7
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Duangnumsawang Y, Zentek J, Vahjen W, Tarradas J, Goodarzi Boroojeni F. Alterations in bacterial metabolites, cytokines, and mucosal integrity in the caecum of broilers caused by feed additives and host-related factors. Front Physiol 2022; 13:935870. [PMID: 36171972 PMCID: PMC9512067 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.935870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
A total of 2,880 one-day-old male and female broiler chicks from two breeds, Ross308 and Cobb500 were randomly assigned to 72 pens. Broilers were offered three diets: a wheat-soybean diet without (CO), or with either a probiotic (probiotic; 2.4 x 109 CFU/kg diet of Bacillus subtilis DSM32324 and DSM32325 and B. amyloliquefaciens DSM25840) or a phytobiotic (phytobiotic; grape extract with 165 ppm procyanidin and 585 ppm polyphenol) product. The trial was conducted with a 3 × 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of diet, breed and sex in a completely randomized design and consisted of 6 replicate-pens per treatment (40 birds per pen). At day 7, 21, and 35, one chicken per pen was slaughtered for caecal sampling to quantify bacterial metabolites (digesta) as well as evaluate mRNA abundance and histomorphology (tissue). Data were subjected to ANOVA using GLM procedure to evaluate age, diet, breed and sex and their interactions. Spearman’s correlation (r) was analyzed between metabolite concentration and mRNA abundance. Overall, the concentration of short chain fatty acids increased with age, while lactate decreased from day 7 to 21 (p < 0.05). The mRNA abundance of IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, IL-17α, IL-18, IFN-γ and TGF-β2 increased with age but IL-1β and TNF-α increased in abundance from day 7 to 21 and then decreased (p < 0.05). Abundance of MUC2 and CLDN5 increased after day 21 (p < 0.05). Caecal crypt depth increased with age (p < 0.05). Acidic goblet cell (GC) number peaked at day 21 (p < 0.05), while mixed GC number was not affected by age. A few impacts of breed, diet and interactions on the investigated variables showed no meaningful biological pattern. Propionate positively correlated with all cytokines investigated (r = 0.150–0.548), except TNF-α. Lactate negatively correlated with pro-inflammatory cytokines like IL-1β (r = −0.324). Aging affected caecal histomorphology, bacterial activity and genes responsible for barrier integrity and inflammatory response. This effect could be attributed to the interaction between gut microbiota and immune system as well as the direct effect of metabolites on gut histomorphology and cytokine mRNA abundance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yada Duangnumsawang
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, Prince of Songkla University, Hatyai, Songkhla, Thailand
| | - Jürgen Zentek
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Wilfried Vahjen
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Joan Tarradas
- Animal nutrition, Institute of Agrifood Research and Technology IRTA, Constantí, Spain
| | - Farshad Goodarzi Boroojeni
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- *Correspondence: Farshad Goodarzi Boroojeni,
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Sun F, Chen J, Liu K, Tang M, Yang Y. The avian gut microbiota: Diversity, influencing factors, and future directions. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:934272. [PMID: 35992664 PMCID: PMC9389168 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.934272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The gut microbiota is viewed as the “second genome” of animals, sharing intricate relationships with their respective hosts. Because the gut microbial community and its diversity are affected by many intrinsic and extrinsic factors, studying intestinal microbes has become an important research topic. However, publications are dominated by studies on domestic or captive birds, while research on the composition and response mechanism of environmental changes in the gut microbiota of wild birds remains scarce. Therefore, it is important to understand the co-evolution of host and intestinal bacteria under natural conditions to elucidate the diversity, maintenance mechanisms, and functions of gut microbes in wild birds. Here, the existing knowledge of gut microbiota in captive and wild birds is summarized, along with previous studies on the composition and function, research methods employed, and factors influencing the avian gut microbial communities. Furthermore, research hotspots and directions were also discussed to identify the dynamics of the avian gut microbiota, aiming to contribute to studies of avian microbiology in the future.
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Dai D, Qi GH, Wang J, Zhang HJ, Qiu K, Wu SG. Intestinal microbiota of layer hens and its association with egg quality and safety. Poult Sci 2022; 101:102008. [PMID: 35841638 PMCID: PMC9289868 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2022.102008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2022] [Revised: 06/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The intestinal microbiota has attracted tremendous attention in the field of the poultry industry due to its critical role in the modulation of nutrient utilization, immune system, and consequently the improvement of the host health and production performance. Accumulating evidence implies intestinal microbiota of laying hens is a potential mediator to improve the prevalent issues in terms of egg quality decline in the late phase of laying production. However, the regulatory effect of intestinal microbiota on egg quality in laying hens remains elusive, which requires consideration of microbial baseline composition and succession during their long lifespans. Notable, although Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, and Proteobacteria form the vast majority of intestinal microbiota in layer hens, dynamic intestinal microbiota succession occurs throughout all laying periods. In addition to the direct effects on egg safety, intestinal microbiota and its metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids, bile acids, and tryptophan derivatives, are suggested to indirectly modulate egg quality through the microbiota-gut-liver/brain-reproductive tract axis. These findings can extend our understanding of the crosstalk between intestinal microbiota and the host to improve egg quality and safety. This paper reviews the compositions of intestinal microbiota in different physiological stages of laying hens and their effects on egg quality and proposes that intestinal microbiota may become a potential target for modulating egg quality and safety by nutritional strategies in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Dai
- Laboratory of Quality & Safety Risk Assessment for Animal Products on Feed Hazards (Beijing) of the Ministry of Agriculture & Rural Affairs, Institute of Feed Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Guang-Hai Qi
- Laboratory of Quality & Safety Risk Assessment for Animal Products on Feed Hazards (Beijing) of the Ministry of Agriculture & Rural Affairs, Institute of Feed Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Laboratory of Quality & Safety Risk Assessment for Animal Products on Feed Hazards (Beijing) of the Ministry of Agriculture & Rural Affairs, Institute of Feed Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China.
| | - Hai-Jun Zhang
- Laboratory of Quality & Safety Risk Assessment for Animal Products on Feed Hazards (Beijing) of the Ministry of Agriculture & Rural Affairs, Institute of Feed Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Kai Qiu
- Laboratory of Quality & Safety Risk Assessment for Animal Products on Feed Hazards (Beijing) of the Ministry of Agriculture & Rural Affairs, Institute of Feed Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Shu-Geng Wu
- Laboratory of Quality & Safety Risk Assessment for Animal Products on Feed Hazards (Beijing) of the Ministry of Agriculture & Rural Affairs, Institute of Feed Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
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10
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Kelly TR, Vinson AE, King GM, Lattin CR. No guts about it: captivity, but not neophobia phenotype, influences the cloacal microbiome of house sparrows ( Passer domesticus). Integr Org Biol 2022; 4:obac010. [PMID: 35505795 PMCID: PMC9053947 DOI: 10.1093/iob/obac010] [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: 05/25/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Behavioral traits such as anxiety and depression have been linked to diversity of the gut microbiome in humans, domesticated animals, and lab-bred model species, but the extent to which this link exists in wild animals, and thus its ecological relevance, is poorly understood. We examined the relationship between a behavioral trait (neophobia) and the cloacal microbiome in wild house sparrows (Passer domesticus,n = 22) to determine whether gut microbial diversity is related to personality in a wild animal. We swabbed the cloaca immediately upon capture, assessed neophobia phenotypes in the lab, and then swabbed the cloaca again after several weeks in captivity to additionally test whether the microbiome of different personality types is affected disparately by captivity, and characterized gut microbiomes using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. We did not detect differences in cloacal alpha or beta microbial diversity between neophobic and non-neophobic house sparrows, and diversity for both phenotypes was negatively impacted by captivity. Although our results suggest that the adult cloacal microbiome and neophobia are not strongly linked in wild sparrows, we did detect specific OTUs that appeared more frequently and at higher abundances in neophobic sparrows, suggesting that links between the gut microbiome and behavior may occur at the level of specific taxa. Further investigations of personality and the gut microbiome are needed in more wild species to reveal how the microbiome-gut-brain axis and behavior interact in an ecological context.
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Affiliation(s)
- T R Kelly
- Department of Biological Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
| | - A E Vinson
- Department of Biological Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
| | - G M King
- Department of Biological Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
| | - C R Lattin
- Department of Biological Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
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Wickramasuriya SS, Park I, Lee K, Lee Y, Kim WH, Nam H, Lillehoj HS. Role of Physiology, Immunity, Microbiota, and Infectious Diseases in the Gut Health of Poultry. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10020172. [PMID: 35214631 PMCID: PMC8875638 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10020172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
“Gut health” refers to the physical state and physiological function of the gastrointestinal tract and in the livestock system; this topic is often focused on the complex interacting components of the intestinal system that influence animal growth performance and host-microbial homeostasis. Regardless, there is an increasing need to better understand the complexity of the intestinal system and the various factors that influence gut health, since the intestine is the largest immune and neuroendocrine organ that interacts with the most complex microbiome population. As we face the post-antibiotic growth promoters (AGP) era in many countries of the world, livestock need more options to deal with food security, food safety, and antibiotic resilience to maintain agricultural sustainability to feed the increasing human population. Furthermore, developing novel antibiotic alternative strategies needs a comprehensive understanding of how this complex system maintains homeostasis as we face unpredictable changes in external factors like antibiotic-resistant microbes, farming practices, climate changes, and consumers’ preferences for food. In this review, we attempt to assemble and summarize all the relevant information on chicken gut health to provide deeper insights into various aspects of gut health. Due to the broad and complex nature of the concept of “gut health”, we have highlighted the most pertinent factors related to the field performance of broiler chickens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samiru S. Wickramasuriya
- Animal Bioscience and Biotechnology Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA; (S.S.W.); (I.P.); (K.L.); (Y.L.); (W.H.K.); (H.N.)
| | - Inkyung Park
- Animal Bioscience and Biotechnology Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA; (S.S.W.); (I.P.); (K.L.); (Y.L.); (W.H.K.); (H.N.)
| | - Kyungwoo Lee
- Animal Bioscience and Biotechnology Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA; (S.S.W.); (I.P.); (K.L.); (Y.L.); (W.H.K.); (H.N.)
- Department of Animal Science and Technology, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, Korea
| | - Youngsub Lee
- Animal Bioscience and Biotechnology Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA; (S.S.W.); (I.P.); (K.L.); (Y.L.); (W.H.K.); (H.N.)
| | - Woo H. Kim
- Animal Bioscience and Biotechnology Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA; (S.S.W.); (I.P.); (K.L.); (Y.L.); (W.H.K.); (H.N.)
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Institute of Animal Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Korea
| | - Hyoyoun Nam
- Animal Bioscience and Biotechnology Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA; (S.S.W.); (I.P.); (K.L.); (Y.L.); (W.H.K.); (H.N.)
| | - Hyun S. Lillehoj
- Animal Bioscience and Biotechnology Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA; (S.S.W.); (I.P.); (K.L.); (Y.L.); (W.H.K.); (H.N.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-301-504-8771
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12
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Bindari YR, Gerber PF. Centennial Review: Factors affecting the chicken gastrointestinal microbial composition and their association with gut health and productive performance. Poult Sci 2021; 101:101612. [PMID: 34872745 PMCID: PMC8713025 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2021.101612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Maintenance of "gut health" is considered a priority in commercial chicken farms, although a precise definition of what constitutes gut health and how to evaluate it is still lacking. In research settings, monitoring of gut microbiota has gained great attention as shifts in microbial community composition have been associated with gut health and productive performance. However, microbial signatures associated with productivity remain elusive because of the high variability of the microbiota of individual birds resulting in multiple and sometimes contradictory profiles associated with poor or high performance. The high costs associated with the testing and the need for the terminal sampling of a large number of birds for the collection of gut contents also make this tool of limited use in commercial settings. This review highlights the existing literature on the chicken digestive system and associated microbiota; factors affecting the gut microbiota and emergence of the major chicken enteric diseases coccidiosis and necrotic enteritis; methods to evaluate gut health and their association with performance; main issues in investigating chicken microbial populations; and the relationship of microbial profiles and production outcomes. Emphasis is given to emerging noninvasive and easy-to-collect sampling methods that could be used to monitor gut health and microbiological changes in commercial flocks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yugal Raj Bindari
- Animal Science, School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia
| | - Priscilla F Gerber
- Animal Science, School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia.
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13
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Joat N, Van TTH, Stanley D, Moore RJ, Chousalkar K. Temporal dynamics of gut microbiota in caged laying hens: a field observation from hatching to end of lay. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2021; 105:4719-4730. [PMID: 34014348 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-021-11333-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Gut health has major implications for the general health of food-producing animals such as the layer birds used in the egg industry. In order to modulate gut microbiota for the benefit of gut health, an understanding of the dynamics and details of the development of gut microbiota is critical. The present study investigated the phylogenetic composition of the gut microbiota of a commercial layer flock raised in cages from hatch to the end of the production cycle. This study also aimed to understand the establishment and development of gut microbiota in layer chickens. Results showed that the faecal microbiota was dominated by phyla Firmicutes and Proteobacteria in the rearing phase, but Bacteroidetes in mid lay and late lay phase. The gut microbiota composition changed significantly during the transfer of the flock from the rearing to the production shed. The richness and diversity of gut microbiota increased after week 6 of the flocks age and stabilized in the mid and late lay phase. The overall dynamics of gut microbiota development was similar to that reported in earlier studies, but the phylogenetic composition at the phylum and family level was different. The production stage of the birds is one of the important factors in the development of gut microbiota. This study has contributed to a better understanding of baseline gut microbiota development over the complete life cycles in layer chickens and will help to develop strategies to improve the gut health. KEY POINTS: • Faecal microbiota of caged hens was dominated by phyla Firmicutes and Proteobacteria in the rearing phase. • The gut microbiota composition changed significantly during the transfer of the flock from the rearing to the production shed. • The richness and diversity of gut microbiota increased after week 6 of the flocks age and stabilized in the mid and late lay phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nitish Joat
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, South Australia, 5371, Australia
| | - Thi Thu Hao Van
- School of Applied Sciences and Health Innovations Research Institute, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Dragana Stanley
- Institute for Future Farming Systems, Central Queensland University, Rockhampton, Australia
| | - Robert J Moore
- School of Applied Sciences and Health Innovations Research Institute, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kapil Chousalkar
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, South Australia, 5371, Australia.
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14
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Rabelo-Ruiz M, Ariza-Romero JJ, Zurita-González MJ, Martín-Platero AM, Baños A, Maqueda M, Valdivia E, Martínez-Bueno M, Peralta-Sánchez JM. Allium-Based Phytobiotic Enhances Egg Production in Laying Hens through Microbial Composition Changes in Ileum and Cecum. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:448. [PMID: 33572138 PMCID: PMC7915398 DOI: 10.3390/ani11020448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Phytobiotics (bioactive compounds extracted from plants) are one of the explored alternatives to antibiotics in poultry and livestock due to their antimicrobial activity and its positive effects on gut microbiota and productive properties. In this study, we supplemented a product based on garlic and onion compounds in the diet to laying hens at the beginning of their productive life (from 16 to 20 weeks post-hatching). The experimental group showed a significant increase in the number of eggs laid and in their size, produced in one month compared to the control. This increase in production was accompanied by microbiota changes in the ileum and cecum by means of high throughput sequencing analyses. These bacterial shifts in the ileum were mainly the result of compositional changes in the rare biosphere (unweighted UniFrac), while in the cecum, treatment affected both majority and minority bacterial groups (weighted and unweighted UniFrac). These changes in the microbiota suggest an improvement in food digestibility. The relative abundance of Lactococcus in the ileum and Lactobacillus in the cecum increased significantly in the experimental group. The relative abundance of these bacterial genera are known to have positive effects on the hosts. These results are very promising for the use of these compounds in poultry for short periods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Rabelo-Ruiz
- Departamento de Microbiología, Universidad de Granada, Avda. Fuentenueva, s/n, 18071 Granada, Spain; (M.R.-R.); (A.M.M.-P.); (M.M.); (E.V.); (M.M.-B.)
| | - Juan José Ariza-Romero
- Departamento de Microbiología y Biotecnología, DMC Research Center, Camino de Jayena s/n, 18620 Granada, Spain; (J.J.A.-R.); (M.J.Z.-G.); (A.B.)
| | - María Jesús Zurita-González
- Departamento de Microbiología y Biotecnología, DMC Research Center, Camino de Jayena s/n, 18620 Granada, Spain; (J.J.A.-R.); (M.J.Z.-G.); (A.B.)
- Área de Endocrinología Molecular y Celular, Fundación Instituto de Investigación Sanotaria de Santiago de Compostela (FIDIS), Complejo Hospitalario Universitario De Santiago (CHUS), Servicio Gallego de Salud (SERGAS), 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Antonio Manuel Martín-Platero
- Departamento de Microbiología, Universidad de Granada, Avda. Fuentenueva, s/n, 18071 Granada, Spain; (M.R.-R.); (A.M.M.-P.); (M.M.); (E.V.); (M.M.-B.)
| | - Alberto Baños
- Departamento de Microbiología y Biotecnología, DMC Research Center, Camino de Jayena s/n, 18620 Granada, Spain; (J.J.A.-R.); (M.J.Z.-G.); (A.B.)
| | - Mercedes Maqueda
- Departamento de Microbiología, Universidad de Granada, Avda. Fuentenueva, s/n, 18071 Granada, Spain; (M.R.-R.); (A.M.M.-P.); (M.M.); (E.V.); (M.M.-B.)
| | - Eva Valdivia
- Departamento de Microbiología, Universidad de Granada, Avda. Fuentenueva, s/n, 18071 Granada, Spain; (M.R.-R.); (A.M.M.-P.); (M.M.); (E.V.); (M.M.-B.)
- Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad de Granada, Avda. Fuentenueva, s/n, 18071 Granada, Spain
| | - Manuel Martínez-Bueno
- Departamento de Microbiología, Universidad de Granada, Avda. Fuentenueva, s/n, 18071 Granada, Spain; (M.R.-R.); (A.M.M.-P.); (M.M.); (E.V.); (M.M.-B.)
- Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad de Granada, Avda. Fuentenueva, s/n, 18071 Granada, Spain
| | - Juan Manuel Peralta-Sánchez
- Departamento de Microbiología, Universidad de Granada, Avda. Fuentenueva, s/n, 18071 Granada, Spain; (M.R.-R.); (A.M.M.-P.); (M.M.); (E.V.); (M.M.-B.)
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Engel K, Pankoke H, Jünemann S, Brandl HB, Sauer J, Griffith SC, Kalinowski J, Caspers BA. Family matters: skin microbiome reflects the social group and spatial proximity in wild zebra finches. BMC Ecol 2020; 20:58. [PMID: 33187490 PMCID: PMC7664024 DOI: 10.1186/s12898-020-00326-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background So far, large numbers of studies investigating the microbiome have focused on gut microbiota and less have addressed the microbiome of the skin. Especially in avian taxa our understanding of the ecology and function of these bacteria remains incomplete. The involvement of skin bacteria in intra-specific communication has recently received attention, and has highlighted the need to understand what information is potentially being encoded in bacterial communities. Using next generation sequencing techniques, we characterised the skin microbiome of wild zebra finches, aiming to understand the impact of sex, age and group composition on skin bacteria communities. For this purpose, we sampled skin swabs from both sexes and two age classes (adults and nestlings) of 12 different zebra finch families and analysed the bacterial communities. Results Using 16S rRNA sequencing we found no effect of age, sex and family on bacterial diversity (alpha diversity). However, when comparing the composition (beta diversity), we found that animals of social groups (families) harbour highly similar bacterial communities on their skin with respect to community composition. Within families, closely related individuals shared significantly more bacterial taxa than non-related animals. In addition, we found that age (adults vs. nestlings) affected bacterial composition. Finally, we found that spatial proximity of nest sites, and therefore individuals, correlated with the skin microbiota similarity. Conclusions Birds harbour very diverse and complex bacterial assemblages on their skin. These bacterial communities are distinguishable and characteristic for intraspecific social groups. Our findings are indicative for a family-specific skin microbiome in wild zebra finches. Genetics and the (social) environment seem to be the influential factors shaping the complex bacterial communities. Bacterial communities associated with the skin have a potential to emit volatiles and therefore these communities may play a role in intraspecific social communication, e.g. via signalling social group membership.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathrin Engel
- Department of Behavioural Ecology, Bielefeld University, Konsequenz 45, 33615, Bielefeld, Germany.
| | - Helga Pankoke
- Evonik Nutrition & Care GmbH, Kantstr. 2, 33790, Halle, Germany
| | - Sebastian Jünemann
- Center for Biotechnology (CeBiTec), Bielefeld University, Sequenz 1, 33615, Bielefeld, Germany.,Faculty of Technology, Bielefeld University, Universitätsstraße 25, 33615, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Hanja B Brandl
- Institute of Zoology, Behavioural Biology, University of Hamburg, Martin-Luther-King Platz 3, 20146, Hamburg, Germany.,Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Jan Sauer
- Department of Behavioural Ecology, Bielefeld University, Konsequenz 45, 33615, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Simon C Griffith
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Jörn Kalinowski
- Center for Biotechnology (CeBiTec), Bielefeld University, Sequenz 1, 33615, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Barbara A Caspers
- Department of Behavioural Ecology, Bielefeld University, Konsequenz 45, 33615, Bielefeld, Germany.
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16
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Caekebeke N, Ringenier M, De Meyer F, Ducatelle R, Ongena N, Van Immerseel F, Dewulf J. A study on risk factors for macroscopic gut abnormalities in intensively reared broiler chickens. Avian Pathol 2020; 49:193-201. [PMID: 31899945 DOI: 10.1080/03079457.2019.1711019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Intensification of broiler production has coincided with an increase in enteric disorders. Enteric syndromes of unknown aetiology are often associated with an increased feed conversion ratio and are given the general term "dysbiosis". Despite the importance of dysbiosis, information on factors contributing to this condition are scarce. Therefore, the aim of this study was to describe dysbiosis in broilers (Ross 308) during one production round and to identify risk factors. Fifteen farms in Flanders (Belgium) were followed up, with visits at days 10, 17, 20, 24 and 28 of production. At every visit, 10 random birds were inspected for footpad lesions, hock burns and breast blisters. Also, coccidiosis and enteric abnormalities were scored after necropsy. A gut appearance score (GAS) was given based on 10 macroscopically visible parameters, where a higher GAS equalled more enteric abnormalities. Footpad lesions were seen in 14 farms and increased in prevalence with the age of the birds. Hock burns were seen less frequently, and no breast blisters were detected. Eimeria acervulina lesions were most frequently observed, followed by E. maxima and E. tenella lesions. The average GAS increased from day 10 until day 20. The strong correlations between the GAS at days 10, 17 and 20 indicate that prevalence of gut abnormalities at day 10 can be predictive for scores later on. A higher amount of intestinal defects was seen in older female birds, in the presence of a conceivable E. tenella infection and at farms with a higher productivity and sanitary status.RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTSGut lesions found in young broilers can predict further development of defects.Caecal lesions showed the strongest correlation with GAS in a multivariate model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nele Caekebeke
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Moniek Ringenier
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Fien De Meyer
- Department of Pathology, Bacteriology and Poultry Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Richard Ducatelle
- Department of Pathology, Bacteriology and Poultry Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | | | - Filip Van Immerseel
- Department of Pathology, Bacteriology and Poultry Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Jeroen Dewulf
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
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17
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Influence of fermentable carbohydrates on the intestinal bacteria and enteropathogens in broilers. WORLD POULTRY SCI J 2019. [DOI: 10.1017/s0043933909000063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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18
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Maki JJ, Klima CL, Sylte MJ, Looft T. The Microbial Pecking Order: Utilization of Intestinal Microbiota for Poultry Health. Microorganisms 2019; 7:microorganisms7100376. [PMID: 31547217 PMCID: PMC6843665 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms7100376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2019] [Revised: 09/13/2019] [Accepted: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The loss of antibiotics as a tool to improve feed efficiency in poultry production has increased the urgency to understand how the microbiota interacts with animals to impact productivity and health. Modulating and harnessing microbiota-host interactions is a promising way to promote poultry health and production efficiencies without antibiotics. In poultry, the microbiome is influenced by many host and external factors including host species, age, gut compartment, diet, and environmental exposure to microbes. Because so many factors contribute to the microbiota composition, specific knowledge is needed to predict how the microbiome will respond to interventions. The effects of antibiotics on microbiomes have been well documented, with different classes of antibiotics having distinctive, specific outcomes on bacterial functions and membership. Non-antibiotic interventions, such as probiotics and prebiotics, target specific bacterial taxa or function to enhance beneficial properties of microbes in the gut. Beneficial bacteria provide a benefit by displacing pathogens and/or producing metabolites (e.g., short chain fatty acids or tryptophan metabolites) that promote poultry health by improving mucosal barrier function or immune function. Microbiota modulation has been used as a tool to reduce pathogen carriage, improve growth, and modulate the immune system. An increased understanding of how the microbiota interacts with animal hosts will improve microbiome intervention strategies to mitigate production losses without the need for antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel J Maki
- Food Safety Enteric Pathogens Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA 50010, USA.
- Interdepartmental Microbiology Graduate Program, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA.
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), ARS Research Participation Program, Oak Ridge, TN 37830, USA.
| | - Cassidy L Klima
- Food Safety Enteric Pathogens Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA 50010, USA.
- Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA.
| | - Matthew J Sylte
- Food Safety Enteric Pathogens Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA 50010, USA.
| | - Torey Looft
- Food Safety Enteric Pathogens Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA 50010, USA.
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Akbari Moghaddam Kakhki R, Lu Z, Thanabalan A, Leung H, Mohammadigheisar M, Kiarie E. Eimeria challenge adversely affected long bone attributes linked to increased resorption in 14-day-old broiler chickens. Poult Sci 2019; 98:1615-1621. [PMID: 30544238 PMCID: PMC6414031 DOI: 10.3382/ps/pey527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2018] [Accepted: 10/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
There is limited information on the effects of enteric pathogen on bone quality in rapidly growing broiler chicks. We examined tibia and femur attributes (length, diameter, relative weight of ash content [AC] to the BW, ash concentration [AP]) and serum bone-turnover markers including receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL) for resorption, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) for mineralization, and selected serum metabolites in 14-day-old broilers challenged with Eimeria. A total of 160 (80 males and 80 females) 1-day-old Ross × Ross 708 chicks were used. Based on BW, birds were placed within sex in cages (5 birds per cage) and fed chick starter diets to day 9 of age. On day 9, half of the cages were orally gavaged with 1 mL of Eimeria culture (100,000 oocysts of E. acervulina and 25,000 oocysts of E. maxima) and the other half (unchallenged control) received 1 mL 0.9% saline in distilled water. On day 14, 2 birds were randomly selected and necropsied for intestinal lesion score, blood, tibia, and femur samples. Data were analyzed in a 2 (challenged vs. unchallenged) × 2 (males vs. females) factorial arrangement. There was no interaction (P > 0.05) between Eimeria and sex on any measurement. Whereas there were no intestinal lesions in unchallenged birds, Eimeria resulted in lesion score (0 to 4) of 3.35, 2.59 and 0.11 in duodenum, jejunum and ileum, respectively. Eimeria challenge decreased (P < 0.05) tibia AC and AP by 10 and 8.2%, respectively but had no (P > 0.10) effect on femur attributes. Generally, males showed (P < 0.05) longer and wider bones with more AC compared with the female. Circulating serum RANKL concentration increased (P = 0.017) in response to Eimeria challenge and was negatively correlated with tibia AC (-0.731; P = 0.021). Our findings showed that Eimeria damage to the intestinal physiology had adverse effects on long bone attributes linked to increased resorption.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Z Lu
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - A Thanabalan
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - H Leung
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - M Mohammadigheisar
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - E Kiarie
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
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20
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The Use of Two Bifidobacterium Strains Enhanced Growth Performance and Nutrient Utilization of Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) Fry. Probiotics Antimicrob Proteins 2018; 11:966-972. [DOI: 10.1007/s12602-018-9455-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
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21
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Maraci Ö, Engel K, Caspers BA. Olfactory Communication via Microbiota: What Is Known in Birds? Genes (Basel) 2018; 9:E387. [PMID: 30065222 PMCID: PMC6116157 DOI: 10.3390/genes9080387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2018] [Revised: 07/27/2018] [Accepted: 07/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal bodies harbour a complex and diverse community of microorganisms and accumulating evidence has revealed that microbes can influence the hosts' behaviour, for example by altering body odours. Microbial communities produce odorant molecules as metabolic by-products and thereby modulate the biochemical signalling profiles of their animal hosts. As the diversity and the relative abundance of microbial species are influenced by several factors including host-specific factors, environmental factors and social interactions, there are substantial individual variations in the composition of microbial communities. In turn, the variations in microbial communities would consequently affect social and communicative behaviour by influencing recognition cues of the hosts. Therefore, microbiota studies have a great potential to expand our understanding of recognition of conspecifics, group members and kin. In this review, we aim to summarize existing knowledge of the factors influencing the microbial communities and the effect of microbiota on olfactory cue production and social and communicative behaviour. We concentrate on avian taxa, yet we also include recent research performed on non-avian species when necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Öncü Maraci
- Research Group Chemical Signalling, Department of Animal Behaviour, Bielefeld University, Konsequenz 45, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany.
| | - Kathrin Engel
- Research Group Chemical Signalling, Department of Animal Behaviour, Bielefeld University, Konsequenz 45, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany.
| | - Barbara A Caspers
- Research Group Chemical Signalling, Department of Animal Behaviour, Bielefeld University, Konsequenz 45, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany.
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22
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Moran ET. Nutrients central to maintaining intestinal absorptive efficiency and barrier integrity with fowl. Poult Sci 2018; 96:1348-1363. [PMID: 27665014 DOI: 10.3382/ps/pew337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2016] [Accepted: 08/05/2016] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The small intestinal mucosa acts to recover nutrients from the lumen while providing a barrier against potential hazards. Its unstirred water layer (USWL) at the lumen interface involves membrane associated mucin linearly protruding from underlying microvilli that entangles secretory mucin released from local goblet cells. Both mucin sources are dominated by repetitive O-glycosylated areas dependant on threonine, serine, glycine, and proline. Secretory mucin differs from membrane attached mucin by further employing multiple cystines that interconnect these areas into a net-like molecular sieve. All of the glycosylated areas have ionizable acidic groups credited with reducing pH from that in the lumen to create a micro environment favoring enzymes finalizing digestion while optimizing nutrient terms for absorption. Erosion of the USWL and/or abuse of the membrane due to lumen threats require continuous repair. The aforementioned amino acids are necessary in substantial amounts while vitamin B6 collaborates with vitamin A as meaningful cofactors for mucin synthesis. Marginal inadequacies of these nutrients during inordinate demand are expected to impair mucin replacement. In turn, marginal increases in feed conversion likely occur while fostering the probability of necrotic enteritis together with gizzard erosions. Abuse of the absorptive membrane is of particular concern from fatty acid hydroperoxides because of their continual presence in feed and inability of the USWL to provide protection. These hydroperoxides threaten membrane integrity by their inclusion in micelles during digestive events with fat thereby permitting transit through the USWL. Once coalesced with membrane phospholipids, structural aberrations are visualized as interfering with nutrient recovery while enabling leakage of cell contents to potentiate wet excreta. Inclusion of dietary vitamin E along with vitamin A into micelles with fatty acid hydroperoxides provides relief by quenching further peroxidation. Assuring cystine, threonine, glycine, and serine that are directly available as such together with vitamins A, E, and B6 represents one approach toward optimizing maintenance of the intestinal mucosa.
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Kers JG, Velkers FC, Fischer EAJ, Hermes GDA, Stegeman JA, Smidt H. Host and Environmental Factors Affecting the Intestinal Microbiota in Chickens. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:235. [PMID: 29503637 PMCID: PMC5820305 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.00235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 263] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2017] [Accepted: 01/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The initial development of intestinal microbiota in poultry plays an important role in production performance, overall health and resistance against microbial infections. Multiplexed sequencing of 16S ribosomal RNA gene amplicons is often used in studies, such as feed intervention or antimicrobial drug trials, to determine corresponding effects on the composition of intestinal microbiota. However, considerable variation of intestinal microbiota composition has been observed both within and across studies. Such variation may in part be attributed to technical factors, such as sampling procedures, sample storage, DNA extraction, the choice of PCR primers and corresponding region to be sequenced, and the sequencing platforms used. Furthermore, part of this variation in microbiota composition may also be explained by different host characteristics and environmental factors. To facilitate the improvement of design, reproducibility and interpretation of poultry microbiota studies, we have reviewed the literature on confounding factors influencing the observed intestinal microbiota in chickens. First, it has been identified that host-related factors, such as age, sex, and breed, have a large effect on intestinal microbiota. The diversity of chicken intestinal microbiota tends to increase most during the first weeks of life, and corresponding colonization patterns seem to differ between layer- and meat-type chickens. Second, it has been found that environmental factors, such as biosecurity level, housing, litter, feed access and climate also have an effect on the composition of the intestinal microbiota. As microbiota studies have to deal with many of these unknown or hidden host and environmental variables, the choice of study designs can have a great impact on study outcomes and interpretation of the data. Providing details on a broad range of host and environmental factors in articles and sequence data repositories is highly recommended. This creates opportunities to combine data from different studies for meta-analysis, which will facilitate scientific breakthroughs toward nutritional and husbandry associated strategies to improve animal health and performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jannigje G. Kers
- Department of Farm Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Francisca C. Velkers
- Department of Farm Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Egil A. J. Fischer
- Department of Farm Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Gerben D. A. Hermes
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - J. A. Stegeman
- Department of Farm Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Hauke Smidt
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
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Lee KC, Kil DY, Sul WJ. Cecal microbiome divergence of broiler chickens by sex and body weight. J Microbiol 2017; 55:939-945. [DOI: 10.1007/s12275-017-7202-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2017] [Revised: 10/10/2017] [Accepted: 10/26/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Abstract
Prebiotics are non-digestible feed ingredients that are metabolized by specific members of intestinal microbiota and provide health benefits for the host. Fermentable oligosaccharides are best known prebiotics that have received increasing attention in poultry production. They act through diverse mechanisms, such as providing nutrients, preventing pathogen adhesion to host cells, interacting with host immune systems and affecting gut morphological structure, all presumably through modulation of intestinal microbiota. Currently, fructooligosaccharides, inulin and mannanoligosaccharides have shown promising results while other prebiotic candidates such as xylooligosaccharides are still at an early development stage. Despite a growing body of evidence reporting health benefits of prebiotics in chickens, very limited studies have been conducted to directly link health improvements to prebiotic-dependent changes in the gut microbiota. This article visits the current knowledge of the chicken gastrointestinal microbiota and reviews most recent publications related to the roles played by prebiotics in modulation of the gut microbiota and immune functions. Progress in this field will help us better understand how the gut microbiota contributes to poultry health and productivity, and support the development of new prebiotic products as an alternative to in-feed antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohsen Pourabedin
- Department of Animal Science, McGill University, Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC H9X 3V9, Canada
| | - Xin Zhao
- Department of Animal Science, McGill University, Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC H9X 3V9, Canada
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Mountzouris KC, Palamidi I, Tsirtsikos P, Mohnl M, Schatzmayr G, Fegeros K. Effect of dietary inclusion level of a multi-species probiotic on broiler performance and two biomarkers of their caecal ecology. ANIMAL PRODUCTION SCIENCE 2015. [DOI: 10.1071/an13358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The effect of the dietary inclusion level of a three-species probiotic on broiler performance, nutrient digestibility, caecal microbiota composition and volatile fatty acid (VFA) pattern was evaluated. Day-old Cobb broilers (n = 448) were allocated in four treatments for 6 weeks. Each treatment had four replicates (two per gender) of 28 broilers each. Depending on the type of addition per kg basal diet, treatments were C (no other addition), PL (108 colony forming units of probiotic), PH (109 colony forming units of probiotic) and A (2.5 mg avilamycin). Overall bodyweight gain was better (P = 0.002) in PL and PH than in the control (2082 g) by 8.7% and 7.5%, respectively, while treatment PL did not differ from A (2341 g), which showed the highest bodyweight gain. The ileal and total-tract apparent digestibility of DM and the apparent metabolisable energy content corrected for N improved linearly (P ≤ 0.05) with the probiotic level. Fluorescent in situ hybridisation analysis showed caecal Bifidobacterium levels to increase linearly (P = 0.006) with the probiotic level. Probiotic administration resulted in altered caecal VFA patterns compared with the control. Gender effects (P ≤ 0.05) were noted for caecal levels of C. histolyticum group, Bacteroides fragilis group and Streptococcus spp., while interactions (P ≤ 0.05) of treatment with gender were seen for Bifidobacterium and all VFA components, except for acetate. In conclusion, beneficial effects on bodyweight gain, DM digestibility, apparent metabolisable energy content corrected for N, caecal Bifidobacterium levels and VFA patterns were noted with both probiotic inclusion levels.
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Humer E, Rohrer E, Windisch W, Wetscherek W, Schwarz C, Jungbauer L, Schedle K. Gender-specific effects of a phytogenic feed additive on performance, intestinal physiology and morphology in broiler chickens. J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr (Berl) 2014; 99:788-800. [PMID: 25073418 DOI: 10.1111/jpn.12238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2014] [Accepted: 07/09/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
To date, most studies published were carried out on broilers of the same sex, and possible gender-specific effects of phytogenic substances have not been investigated so far. A 3 × 2 factorial study was performed to examine gender-specific effects of a PFA at two dietary levels (150, 1500 ppm) on growth performance, carcass traits and gastrointestinal attributes in broiler chickens versus an untreated control group. The addition of 150 ppm of the PFA led to a downregulation of trypsinogen mRNA in pancreas compared with the control group (p < 0.05). The number of goblet cells decreased in jejunum compared with the unsupplemented group, whereby this effect was more pronounced in male birds (p < 0.05). Furthermore, higher methylamine contents compared with the control group were measured (p < 0.01). In proximal ileum, female birds, supplemented with 150 ppm PFA, had lower crypt depths than their litters in the 1500 ppm treatment (p < 0.05). In distal ileum, villus height:crypt depth ratio was higher in birds fed the PFA at 150 ppm than in the control group (p < 0.05). The 1500 ppm dosage of the PFA increased jejunal histamine concentration compared with the negative control group (p < 0.05). Jejunal histamine concentration was also affected by the interaction PFA × sex (p < 0.05). Regardless of inclusion level, total amount of biogenic amines and other microbial metabolites in digesta samples was not affected by the PFA. These results demonstrate variable, partially gender-specific effects of the tested PFA. Although the supplementation of 150 ppm showed little effect on mRNA expression level of selected marker genes for nutrient digestion, beneficial effects on gut morphology were observed. The 10-fold higher dosage of the PFA did not adversely affect growth performance as well as most investigated parameters compared with the control group.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Humer
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Products and Nutrition Physiology, Department for Agrobiotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - E Rohrer
- Delacon Biotechnik GmbH, Steyregg, Austria
| | - W Windisch
- Chair of Animal Nutrition, Center of Life and Food Sciences Weihenstephan, Technische Universität München, Freising, Germany
| | - W Wetscherek
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Products and Nutrition Physiology, Department for Agrobiotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - C Schwarz
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Products and Nutrition Physiology, Department for Agrobiotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - K Schedle
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Products and Nutrition Physiology, Department for Agrobiotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
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Dewar ML, Arnould JPY, Dann P, Trathan P, Groscolas R, Smith S. Interspecific variations in the gastrointestinal microbiota in penguins. Microbiologyopen 2013; 2:195-204. [PMID: 23349094 PMCID: PMC3584224 DOI: 10.1002/mbo3.66] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2012] [Revised: 12/10/2012] [Accepted: 12/17/2012] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the enormous amount of data available on the importance of the gastrointestinal (GI) microbiota in vertebrate (especially mammals), information on the GI microbiota of seabirds remains incomplete. As with many seabirds, penguins have a unique digestive physiology that enables them to store large reserves of adipose tissue, protein, and lipids. This study used quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and 16S rRNA gene pyrosequencing to characterize the interspecific variations of the GI microbiota of four penguin species: the king, gentoo, macaroni, and little penguin. The qPCR results indicated that there were significant differences in the abundance of the major phyla Firmicutes, Bacteroides, Actinobacteria, and Proteobacteria. A total of 132,340, 18,336, 6324, and 4826 near full-length 16S rRNA gene sequences were amplified from fecal samples collected from king, gentoo, macaroni, and little penguins, respectively. A total of 13 phyla were identified with Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, and Fusobacteria dominating the composition; however, there were major differences in the relative abundance of the phyla. In addition, this study documented the presence of known human pathogens, such as Campylobacter, Helicobacter, Prevotella, Veillonella, Erysipelotrichaceae, Neisseria, and Mycoplasma. However, their role in disease in penguins remains unknown. To our knowledge, this is the first study to provide an in-depth investigation of the GI microbiota of penguins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meagan L Dewar
- School of Exercise and Nutritional Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood, Australia.
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Intestinal microbiota associated with differential feed conversion efficiency in chickens. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2012; 96:1361-9. [PMID: 22249719 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-011-3847-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 190] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2011] [Revised: 12/08/2011] [Accepted: 12/13/2011] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Analysis of model systems, for example in mice, has shown that the microbiota in the gastrointestinal tract can play an important role in the efficiency of energy extraction from diets. The study reported here aimed to determine whether there are correlations between gastrointestinal tract microbiota population structure and energy use in chickens. Efficiency in converting food into muscle mass has a significant impact on the intensive animal production industries, where feed represents the major portion of production costs. Despite extensive breeding and selection efforts, there are still large differences in the growth performance of animals fed identical diets and reared under the same conditions. Variability in growth performance presents management difficulties and causes economic loss. An understanding of possible microbiota drivers of these differences has potentially important benefits for industry. In this study, differences in cecal and jejunal microbiota between broiler chickens with extreme feed conversion capabilities were analysed in order to identify candidate bacteria that may influence growth performance. The jejunal microbiota was largely dominated by lactobacilli (over 99% of jejunal sequences) and showed no difference between the birds with high and low feed conversion ratios. The cecal microbial community displayed higher diversity, and 24 unclassified bacterial species were found to be significantly (<0.05) differentially abundant between high and low performing birds. Such differentially abundant bacteria represent target populations that could potentially be modified with prebiotics and probiotics in order to improve animal growth performance.
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Influence of fermentable carbohydrates on the intestinal bacteria and enteropathogens in broilers. WORLD POULTRY SCI J 2009. [DOI: 10.1017/s0043933909000006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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