Effects of the Probiotic Enterococcus faecium on Muscle Characteristics of Chickens

Abstract

The use of antibiotics in farm animals is one of the main reasons for the development of resistant bacterial strains (e.g., zoonotic pathogens). Therefore, save alternatives are needed. Here, we examined how post-hatch application (day one to seven of life) of the probiotic Enterococcus faecium AL41 (EF) affects the development and tissue properties of the broiler pectoralis major muscle (PM). Expression of regulators, namely IGF-1, PAX7, and MYF5, was also investigated. At day 1 (n = 6), and days 5, 8, and 12 (n = 10), muscle samples were taken from control and EF supplemented chicks. From day 5 on, myonuclei number per fiber was elevated in EF chicks. Improved capillarization (from day 8), larger myofibers, increased body and PM weights (day 12) were found in the EF group. Part of our findings is explainable by higher intramuscular expression of IGF-1 and lower MYf5 expression in EF birds. In both groups IGF-1 expression decreases with age, thereby increasing the cellular myogenic potential. However, a strong increase in PAX7 expression and more PAX7-positive nuclei were found in EF chicks at day 12. We conclude that EF supplementation improves PM growth and health due to positive effects on bioavailability and fusion capacity of SATC progeny and better tissue perfusion.

Gut Microbiome Derived Lactic Acid Bacteria (GM-d-LAB) from Dwarf Goats (Capra aegagrus hircus) Inhibit the Resident Multiple Antibiotics Resistance Bacterial pathogens

“…Past research has lauded E. hirae for its potential probiotic properties and diverse antimicrobial activities [55,56]. Likewise, the probiotic capabilities of E. faecium have been thoroughly documented, from its bacteriocin production to its positive effects on epithelial integrity [57,58]. The collective findings from these highlighted studies affirm the alignment of our research with substantial potential for the identified LAB strains from the goat intestine.…”

The effect of Limosilactobacillus fermentum 2i3 and 0.6% addition of humic substances on production parameters and the immune system of broilers

“…Interestingly, even the administration of L. fermentum 2i3 alone did not have a sufficiently stimulating effect on the gene expression of these factors. Notably, in our recent study by Albrecht et al 2022 , we found that another probiotic strain, Enterococcus faecium AL41, had only a temporary stimulatory effect on IGF-1 gene expression, which declined as the chickens aged, and in contrast, had a strong effect on PAX-7 expression. These results may indicate different effects of individual probiotic strains at the molecular level of the growth factors in the pectoral muscle.…”

Regulatory Effects of the Probiotic <i>Clostridium butyricum</i> on Gut Microbes, Intestinal Health, and Growth Performance of Chickens

“…Previous studies have also shown that probiotics exert beneficial effects on the muscle growth of broiler chickens ( Shah et al , 2019 ; Stasiak et al , 2021 ). Dietary supplementation with Enterococcus faecium AL41 increased the number of myonuclei per fiber, improved capillarization, and further improved body weight owing to the high intramuscular expression of IGF-1 and lowered MYF5 expression in broilers ( Albrecht et al , 2022 ). In addition, microbiota dysbiosis may induce neuroinflammation via the microbiota–gut–brain axis, which causes injurious behaviors in chickens ( Jiang et al , 2022 ; Shamshirgaran et al , 2022 ).…”