Effect of interferon on broilers' fecal microbiome composition.

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Microbiology
• Immunology

Background:

• The intestinal microbiota plays a crucial role in broiler chicken health and performance.
• Understanding microbial community dynamics is essential for optimizing poultry production.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of chicken interferon on the intestinal microbiota composition in broiler chickens.

Main Methods:

• Next-generation sequencing (Ion Torrent platform) targeting the V3 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid hypervariable region.
• Analysis of bacterial genera abundance and community structure in interferon-treated and control broiler groups.

Main Results:

• Forty-one bacterial genera were identified. Lactobacillus was the most abundant genus in both groups.
• Interferon treatment led to a decrease or absence of Escherichia-Shigella, Eubacterium fissicatena group, Lachnospiraceae CHKCI001, and Pediococcus.
• An increase in Ruminococcaceae CAG-352 and Turicibacter genera was observed in the interferon group.

Conclusions:

• A decrease in Escherichia-Shigella may indicate a normalization of broiler intestinal microbiota.
• Chicken interferon appears to suppress opportunistic bacteria.
• Turicibacter significantly increased in the interferon group, a common genus in broiler intestines.