Effect of polyphosphates on productivity and physiological characteristics in laying hens

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Gut Microbiome Research
• Poultry Nutrition

Background:

• Polyphosphates are vital for nutrient absorption, energy metabolism, and cellular functions.
• The impact of polyphosphates on laying hen performance and gut microbiota remains largely unexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of short, medium, and long-chain polyphosphates on laying hen performance, egg quality, and gut characteristics.
• To analyze the impact of polyphosphate supplementation on the cecal microbiota composition and diversity in laying hens.

Main Methods:

• 100 Lohman Brown laying hens were fed a basal diet supplemented with 0.1% short-chain (P3), medium-chain (P14), or long-chain (P130) polyphosphate.
• Laying performance, egg quality, blood, organ, tibia, and cecal characteristics were assessed.
• Cecal microbiota composition and diversity were analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing.

Main Results:

• Egg productivity and egg mass increased in the control and P3 groups compared to the P130 group.
• Polyphosphate supplementation reduced ileal crypt depth, with P130 increasing the villus height to crypt depth ratio.
• P130 supplementation significantly enhanced cecal bacterial diversity (ASVs and Chao1 index).

Conclusions:

• Long-chain polyphosphate (P130) supplementation positively influenced gut morphology and cecal bacterial diversity in laying hens.
• Despite gut health improvements, P130 did not enhance overall egg productivity.
• Polyphosphates show potential for improving nutrient absorption and gut health in poultry diets.