Microbial Composition in the Duodenum and Ileum of Yellow Broilers With High and Low Feed Efficiency

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Microbiology
• Genomics

Background:

• The gut microbiome is crucial for digestion, nutrient absorption, and overall health in animals.
• Understanding the gut microbial composition in poultry is essential for improving feed efficiency and economic benefits.
• Variations in feed efficiency among yellow broilers may be linked to differences in their gut microbial communities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze and compare the microbial composition in the duodenum and ileum of yellow broilers with high (HFE) and low (LFE) feed efficiency.
• To investigate the relationship between gut microbiota diversity, structure, and feed efficiency in yellow broilers.
• To identify specific bacterial taxa and metabolic pathways associated with feed efficiency in yellow broilers.

Main Methods:

• Microbial samples were collected from the duodenum and ileum of HFE and LFE yellow broiler groups (n=22 each).
• 16S rRNA gene sequencing (V3-V4 region) was performed to analyze bacterial composition and diversity.
• Alpha diversity analysis, structural comparison, and functional prediction (e.g., metabolic pathways) were conducted.

Main Results:

• Microbiota diversity was significantly higher in the duodenum than in the ileum.
• Ileal microbiota structure was similar between HFE and LFE groups, but species richness was higher in HFE broilers.
• The gluconeogenesis I pathway was significantly altered in the LFE group, and specific genera like Ruminococcus (HFE) and Faecalibacterium (LFE) were associated with feed efficiency.

Conclusions:

• Gut microbiome composition and diversity differ between the duodenum and ileum in yellow broilers.
• Ileal microbial richness is positively correlated with high feed efficiency in yellow broilers.
• Specific microbial taxa and metabolic pathways are associated with feed efficiency, offering potential targets for improvement.