Chronic Zinc Deficiency Alters Chick Gut Microbiota Composition and Function

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Animal Nutrition
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Zinc deficiency is a widespread nutritional issue affecting overall health.
• The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in nutrient utilization, but its response to zinc deficiency is unknown.
• Zinc deficiency is linked to impaired gut barrier function and reduced gastrointestinal health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of chronic dietary zinc depletion on the cecal microbiota in broiler chickens.
• To characterize specific shifts in microbial composition and diversity caused by zinc deficiency.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the broiler chicken (Gallus gallus) model for dietary zinc depletion.
• Employed metagenomic analysis to study cecal microbiota composition and function.
• Analyzed predicted Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways.

Main Results:

• Zinc deficiency led to significant alterations in cecal microbial taxonomy, reducing species richness and diversity.
• A dysbiotic microbial profile was observed, resembling that of other pathological conditions.
• Metagenomic analysis revealed depleted KEGG pathways for nutrient uptake and decreased beneficial short-chain fatty acids.
• Identified potential microbial candidates influencing zinc bioavailability during deficiency.

Conclusions:

• Chronic zinc depletion induces a unique and dysbiotic cecal microbiota in broiler chickens.
• Microbial perturbations associated with zinc deficiency may exacerbate the deficient phenotype.
• These findings highlight the gut microbiome's role in zinc homeostasis and deficiency.