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Effect of early gut microbiota intervention using predesigned poultry microbiota substitute on broiler health and performance

Advait Kayal , Sung Yu, Thi Thu Hao Van, Yadav Bajagai , Dragana Stanley

Abstract

Context The designer gut microbiota in broiler chickens is a novel concept involving post-hatch inoculation of chicks with beneficial or commensal non-pathogenic bacteria as an inoculum. This process aims to control gut colonisation by administering desirable microbiota to prevent access to harmful and pathogenic bacteria via competitive exclusion. Aims This study aimed to assess the impact of one such intervention on broiler gut microbiota, microbial diversity and growth performance. Methods The intervention involved spraying the newly hatched chicks with a commercially available mix of non-pathogenic bacterial species isolated from chicken intestine. Key results Body weight gain was significantly higher in the treated group, and performance measures showed improvement. Beta diversity analysis revealed a significant difference in the gut microbiota between the control and treatment groups. Conclusions The study demonstrated the effects and potential benefits of early intervention to influence gut microbial composition and improve the uniformity across the flock and enhance broiler health and performance. Implications This study highlights the complexity of microbiota dynamics and the need for further research to fully understand the implications of designer gut microbiota in poultry production.

AN24354  Accepted 16 February 2025

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