Evaluation of a Novel Precision Biotic on Enterohepatic Health Markers and Growth Performance of Broiler Chickens under Enteric Challenge

Abstract

This study evaluated the supplementation of a precision biotic (PB) on the enterohepatic health markers and growth performance of broiler chickens undergoing an enteric challenge. In the first study, three treatments were used: Unchallenged Control (UC); Challenged Control (CC; dietary challenge and 10× dose of coccidia vaccine); and a challenged group supplemented with PB (1.3 kg/ton). In the second study, three treatments were used: control diet, diet supplemented with Avilamycin (10 ppm), and a diet supplemented with PB (0.9 kg/ton). All the birds were exposed to natural challenge composed by dietary formulation and reused litter from a coccidiosis positive flock. In Trial 1, PB decreased ileal histological damage, increased villi length, and the expression of SLC5A8 in ileal tissue versus CC; it reduced ileal expression of IL-1β compared to both UC and CC treatments. PB increased the expression of cell cycling gene markers CCNA2 and CDK2 in the ileum compared to CC. In Trial 2, PB improved the growth performance, intestinal lesion scores and intestinal morphology of broiler chickens. These results indicate that birds supplemented with PB are more resilient to enteric challenges, probably by its action in modulating microbiome metabolic pathways related to nitrogen metabolism and protein utilization.

Dietary eubiotics of microbial muramidase and glycan improve intestinal villi, ileum microbiota composition and production trait of broiler

“…Furthermore, Walsh et al [ 11 ] found that BW and FCR of broilers were enhanced by PG supplementation in the diet. However, Blokker et al [ 37 ] did not observe a significant difference in the growth performance of dietary supplementation of PG group. Moreover, in the present study, the singular supplementation of MR and PG were not significantly different but, the combination of both MRPG supplement showed a significantly higher BWG compared to NC group.…”

Microbiome modulation, microbiome protein metabolism index, and growth performance of broilers supplemented with a precision biotic

“…Accordingly, with the precise modulation of the microbiome metabolic pathways by PB, there will be positive outcomes beyond growth performance. For example, Blokker et al (2022) showed that the supplementation of PB reduced the negative effects caused by coccidiosis in chickens by modulating the inflammatory responses.…”

Impacts of varying methionine to cysteine supplementation ratios on growth performance, oxidative status, intestinal health, and gene expression of immune response and methionine metabolism in broilers under Eimeria spp. challenge

“…In the current production practices, only Met is supplemented to meet the SAA requirements, producing no negative effects on the performance and health of the birds under normal and healthy conditions, as Cys can be produced through the metabolism of Met ( Bianchi et al, 2000 ; Albers, 2009 ; Bauchart-Thevret et al, 2009 ). However, under the conditions of Eimeria challenge, the normal functions of the intestines ( Teng et al, 2020 ; Choi et al, 2023 ) and liver ( Akhtar et al, 2012 ; Song et al, 2020 ; Blokker et al, 2022 ) can be compromised, potentially hindering the conversion of Met to Cys. This could lead to a deficient supply of Cys, which may further exacerbate the negative effects of coccidiosis on the growth and health of the birds.…”