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Caecal microbiota could effectively increase chicken growth performance by regulating fat metabolism
Xiaolong Zhang1, Yafang Hu1, Abdur Rahman Ansari1,2
1Department of Basic Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China.
Microbial Biotechnology
|July 15, 2021
Summary
Gut microbiota impacts chicken growth and fat metabolism. Specific bacteria like Microbacterium and Sphingomonas are linked to higher body weight, while Slackia is associated with lower weight, suggesting a microbial role in growth regulation.
Area of Science:
- Animal Science
- Microbiology
- Metabolism
Background:
- Gut microbiota is known to influence chicken growth and fat metabolism.
- The precise mechanism by which gut microbiota regulates chicken growth through fat metabolism remains largely unelucidated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between gut microbiota composition and fat metabolism in chickens with varying body weights.
- To determine if gut microbiota influences chicken growth performance by modulating fat metabolism.
Main Methods:
- Comparison of gut microbiota composition in high and low body weight chickens using 16S rRNA gene sequencing.
- Analysis of fat metabolism indicators in serum, liver, and muscle tissues.
- Correlation analysis between specific microbial genera and fat metabolism markers.
- Faecal microbiota transplantation experiments to validate the causal role of gut microbiota.
Main Results:
- Significant differences in body weight and muscle indices were observed between high and low body weight groups.
- High body weight chickens showed higher abundance of Microbacterium and Sphingomonas, while low body weight chickens had more Slackia.
- Fat metabolism levels differed significantly between the two groups and correlated with the abundance of these specific gut bacteria.
- Faecal microbiota transplantation from high body weight donors improved growth performance and liver fat metabolism in recipient chickens.
Conclusions:
- Gut microbiota composition plays a crucial role in regulating chicken growth performance.
- Specific gut bacteria, including Microbacterium, Sphingomonas, and Slackia, are associated with differential fat metabolism and body weight.
- Modulating gut microbiota can enhance chicken growth and improve fat metabolism, offering potential for improved animal husbandry.
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