Ammonia negatively impacted egg production and altered the diversity of microbial communities in cage-reared Muscovy...

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of NH₃ variations across different positions within a cage-reared duck house on the egg production performance and fecal microbiome in Muscovy ducks. Totals of 3,168 female Muscovy ducks (180 ± 2 d) were randomly assigned to 1,056 cages. From d 293 to 300, the egg production rate and levels of NH₃, H₂S, CO₂, temperature, humidity, light intensity, and dust particles were recorded. Two spatial distribution-based experimental classification methods were applied, one grouping ducks into Front, Middle, and End categories, and the other into First, Second, and Third layers. On d 300, serum and feces samples were collected for further analysis. The result showed that both the egg production rate and serum PROG level in the Front were higher than End (P < 0.05). However, no significant differences were found among the First, Second, and Third groups. Among the environmental factors, ammonia (NH₃) is a major harmful gas in cage-reared duck houses, with observed concentrations showing a gradient from lower levels in the Front group to higher levels in the Middle group (P < 0.05), and even higher levels in the End group (P < 0.05). Gene sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene revealed a higher relative abundance of Firmicutes in both the Front and Middle groups compared to the End group (P < 0.05). Specifically, within the Firmicutes phylum, the relative abundance of Lactobacillus and Romboutsia was notably higher in the Front group compared to both the Middle and End groups (P < 0.05). What's more, the abundance of Lactobacillus had a negative correlation with NH₃ concentration and positive correlation with egg production rate. In conclusion, NH₃ concentrations showed variations across different areas of the cage-reared duck house, with higher levels detected at the rear. The elevated NH₃ level was identified as the main factor negatively impacting egg production in Muscovy ducks and contributing to a decline in the abundance of Firmicutes, specifically Lactobacillus.