Enterococcus faecium Modulates the Gut Microbiota of Broilers and Enhances Phosphorus Absorption and Utilization

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Microbiology
• Nutritional Biochemistry

Background:

• Broiler chickens frequently suffer from bone health issues, impacting animal welfare and productivity.
• Phosphorus (P) is critical for bone development, and understanding P metabolism is key to improving broiler skeletal health.
• Enterococcus faecium, a known probiotic, has shown benefits for bone health in rats, but its effects on broilers are not well-established.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of Enterococcus faecium supplementation on phosphorus absorption and utilization in broiler chickens.
• To analyze the associated changes in the gut microbiota composition in response to E. faecium.
• To determine if E. faecium can improve skeletal health by enhancing phosphorus metabolism.

Main Methods:

• Broiler chickens were supplemented with Enterococcus faecium in their diet.
• Phosphorus absorption and utilization were assessed by measuring intestinal NaP-IIb mRNA expression and serum alkaline phosphatase.
• Gut microbiota composition was analyzed using 16S rDNA sequencing.

Main Results:

• E. faecium supplementation upregulated intestinal NaP-IIb mRNA and increased serum alkaline phosphatase, indicating enhanced P absorption.
• Broilers treated with E. faecium showed increased P retention and improved bone mineralization.
• Significant shifts in gut microbiota were observed, including an increase in SCFA-producing bacteria and a decrease in potentially pathogenic bacteria.

Conclusions:

• Enterococcus faecium supplementation improves phosphorus absorption and utilization in broiler chickens.
• The probiotic modulates gut microbiota, promoting beneficial bacteria and enhancing bone health.
• E. faecium offers a promising strategy to mitigate bone health problems and reduce phosphorus excretion in broiler production.