Broiler Cecal Microbiocenoses Depending on Mixed Fodder

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Microbiology
• Genetics

Background:

• The cecal microbiome plays a crucial role in avian health and productivity.
• Understanding the impact of diet on the gut microbiota is essential for optimizing broiler performance.
• Previous studies have focused on specific bacterial groups, but a comprehensive analysis of dietary effects is needed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of different mixed fodder compositions on the cecal bacterial community of broiler chickens.
• To identify key dietary components influencing the microbiome structure and broiler productivity.
• To characterize the taxonomic diversity and functional potential of the cecal microbiota.

Main Methods:

• Next-generation sequencing (NGS) and quantitative PCR were employed to analyze cecal bacterial communities.
• Broiler chickens were fed different mixed fodder formulations.
• Productivity parameters were monitored alongside microbial composition analysis.

Main Results:

• The cecal microbiome exhibited significant taxonomic diversity, including typical avian gut bacteria and previously uncharacterized taxa.
• Dietary cellulose content profoundly affected microbial abundance and community structure; decreased cellulose led to reduced bacterial numbers.
• Specific bacterial groups, such as Bacteroidetes and Clostridiaceae, increased with lower cellulose, while Lactobacillus and Bacillales decreased, with a rise in Escherichia and Sutterellaceae.

Conclusions:

• Feed composition, especially cellulose levels, significantly alters the broiler cecal microbiome and impacts productivity.
• Dietary interventions can modulate the gut microbiota, potentially influencing broiler health and disease resistance.
• The study identified shifts in bacterial populations associated with feed changes, including an increase in potentially pathogenic bacteria with reduced cellulose.