Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 20, 2026

A Method to Assess Bacteriocin Effects on the Gut Microbiota of Mice
Published on: July 25, 2017
Host-genotype-dependent cecal microbes are linked to breast muscle metabolites in Chinese chickens
Yuqing Feng1, Dan Liu1, Yan Liu1
1State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, PR China.
Abstract:
In chickens, the effect of host genetics on the gut microbiota is not fully understood, and the extent to which the heritable gut microbes affect chicken metabolism and physiology is still an open question. Here, we explored the interactions among chicken genetics, the cecal microbiota and metabolites in breast muscle from ten chicken breeds in China. We found that different chicken breeds displayed distinct cecal microbial community structures and functions, and 15 amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) were significantly associated with host genetics through different genetic loci, such as those related to the intestinal barrier function. We identified five heritable ASVs significantly associated with 53 chicken muscle metabolites, among which the Megamonas probably affected lipid metabolism through the production of propionate. Our study revealed that the chicken genetically associated cecal microbes may have the potential to affect the bird's physiology and metabolism.
Related Concept Videos
Anatomy of the Intestines
Small Intestines
The small intestine is an ~7 meter-long tube with an inner diameter of just 2.5 cm. Since most nutrients are absorbed here, the inner lining of the small...
Background and Environment Affect Phenotype
An example of how genetic background affects phenotype can be seen in horses. The Extension gene in horses is responsible for their coat color. A wild-type gene (EE) produces black pigment in the coat, while a mutant gene (ee) produces red pigment. A...
Development of Human Microbiota
Microbiota of the Large Intestine
Microbiota Modulation by Antibiotics

