Levels of Firmicutes, Actinobacteria Phyla and Lactobacillaceae Family on the Skin Surface of Broiler Chickens (Ross 308) Depending on the Nutritional Supplement and the Housing Conditions

Abstract

The microbiome of animals, both in the digestive tract and in the skin, plays an important role in protecting the host. The skin is one of the largest surface organs for animals; therefore, the destabilization of the microbiota on its surface can increase the risk of diseases that may adversely affect animals’ health and production rates, including poultry. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of nutritional supplementation in the form of fermented rapeseed meal and housing conditions on the level of selected bacteria phyla (Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, and family Lactobacillaceae). The study was performed on 30 specimens of broiler chickens (Ross 308), individually kept in metabolic cages for 36 days. They were divided into 5 groups depending on the feed received. On day 36, skin swabs were individually collected. Temperature and humidity were measured in the room. The temperature was measured every 2 days (18 measurements × 6 points). The results of Real-Time PCR analysis have shown a significant effect of the feed additive on the level of Firmicutes phylum on the skin. On the other hand, a variable level of the tested bacteria was shown depending on the location of the cages. The Firmicutes phylum and Lactobacillaceae family achieved the highest level in the top-window zone. However, in the case of the Actinobacteria phylum, the highest level was found at the top-door and middle-door zones. The obtained results suggest that the conditions in which animals live may affect the microbiota of their skin.

The Level of Selected Bacterial Phyla on the Skin Surface of Small Ruminants According to the Breed and Species

“…In mammals, the most numerous groups of bacteria belong to Animals 2021, 11, 2734 2 of 8 the Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes types; although less numerous, the most common are Actinobacteria and Proteobacteria. However, their occurrence is largely on the skin, among other things, depending on the breed of animals, species or the place where they live [4].…”

Recent Advancements in Poultry Health, Nutrition and Sustainability

“…The skin is one of the largest surface organs for animals, and therefore, the destabilization of the microbiota on its surface can increase the risk of diseases that may adversely affect animals' health and production rates. The housing environment in which animals live may affect the microbiota of their skin [8]. The gut microbiome seems to be a good indicator of the balanced health of an animal.…”