RESULTS: The taxonomic composition of gut microbiota differed significantly between birds in the rearing and production stages, indicating a shift after laying onset. Similar microbiota compositions were observed between proventriculus and gizzard, as well as between jejunum and ileum, likely due to their anatomical proximity. Lactobacillus dominated the upper gut in pullets and the lower gut in older birds. The oesophagus had a high proportion of Proteobacteria, including opportunistic pathogens such as Gallibacterium. Relative abundance of Gallibacterium increased after peak production in multiple gut sections. Aeriscardovia was enriched in the late-lay phase compared to younger birds in multiple gut sections. Age influenced microbial richness and diversity in different organs. The upper gut showed decreased diversity over time, possibly influenced by dietary changes, while the lower gut, specifically cecum and colon, displayed increased richness as birds matured. However, age-related changes were inconsistent across all organs, suggesting the influence of organ-specific factors in microbiota maturation.
CONCLUSIONS: Addressing a gap in previous research, this study explored the microbiota across all major gut sections and tracked their dynamics from rearing to the end of the production cycle in commercially raised layer chickens. This study provides a comprehensive understanding of microbiota structure and development which help to develop targeted strategies to optimise gut health and overall productivity in poultry production.
结果:在饲养和生产阶段,鸟类之间的肠道微生物群的分类组成存在显着差异,表明铺设开始后的转变。在proventriculus和gizzard之间观察到类似的微生物群组成,以及空肠和回肠之间,可能是由于它们的解剖学接近。乳酸菌在小母鸡中占主导地位,而在老年鸟类中占主导地位。食管有很高比例的变形杆菌,包括机会性病原体,如Gallibacterium。在多个肠道切片中产生峰值后,Gallibacterium的相对丰度增加。与多个肠道切片中的幼鸟相比,Aeriscardovia在产卵后期富集。年龄影响不同器官的微生物丰富度和多样性。上肠显示出随着时间的推移多样性下降,可能受到饮食变化的影响,而较低的肠道,特别是盲肠和结肠,随着鸟类的成熟,丰富度增加。然而,与年龄相关的变化在所有器官中都不一致,提示器官特异性因素对微生物群成熟的影响。
结论:解决先前研究中的空白,这项研究探索了所有主要肠道部分的微生物群,并跟踪了商业饲养蛋鸡从饲养到生产周期结束的动态。这项研究提供了对微生物群结构和发展的全面了解,这有助于制定有针对性的策略,以优化家禽生产中的肠道健康和整体生产力。