This study investigates the effects of different gut health interventions (GHIs) on broiler gut microbiota and performance, using shotgun metagenomic sequencing. The study analyzed 118 caecal samples from broilers subjected to various interventions, including probiotics, prebiotics, essential oils, and vaccines.
Key findings:
Probiotic supplementation improved broiler performance, with the highest European poultry efficiency factor (EPEF) observed in probiotic-treated birds.
Gut microbiota composition was significantly altered by GHIs, with increases in beneficial bacteria like Rikenella microfusus.
GHIs influenced metabolic pathways related to carbohydrate and protein digestion, energy metabolism, and immune function.
Probiotic B strains showed superior effects on microbial diversity and nutrient absorption compared to other interventions.
This study provides metagenomic insights into the role of gut microbiota in poultry performance, supporting the use of targeted GHIs in commercial farming.
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