Investigating microbial population structure and function in the chicken caeca and large intestine over time using...

Area of Science:

• Microbial genomics and host-microbiome interactions in poultry.

Background:

• Chicken gut microbiota composition varies taxonomically but its functional capacity is poorly understood.
• Understanding microbial functions is crucial for optimizing poultry production and health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize the functional capacity of chicken gut microbial communities in the caeca and large intestine.
• To investigate the relationship between microbial functions and chicken performance parameters.

Main Methods:

• Whole genome shotgun metagenomics was employed to analyze microbial communities from 24 chicken caeca and large intestine samples.
• Metagenome-Assembled Genomes (MAGs) were constructed and functionally profiled.
• Sequencing data was integrated with chicken performance metadata (body weight, weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, age) from 8 samples.

Main Results:

• Specific microbial families were positively associated with chicken performance parameters.
• Functional analyses revealed alterations in nutrient geochemical cycles, including hydrogen generation.
• 108 carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes), including glycoside hydrolases (GH) and polysaccharide lyases (PL), were identified, crucial for dietary carbohydrate and fiber breakdown.
• 13 polysaccharide lyases were identified on day 20, with organ-specific variations.

Conclusions:

• The study provides a deeper understanding of microbial-mediated metabolism in chickens.
• Findings link specific microbial functions to key production performance parameters.
• This research highlights the potential for manipulating gut microbiota to enhance chicken growth and feed efficiency.