Jejunal histopathology, metagenome, and mucosal transcriptome of broilers after an enteric challenge and fed diets with different fiber types and concentrations.
Combining insoluble and soluble fibers may enhance gut resilience in broilers against enteric challenges.
Where it sits
this study against the rest of the adipotide (prohibitin-tp01) corpusSummary and findings
This study investigated the efficacy of various dietary fiber sources in mitigating subclinical enteric infection in broilers. 2,160 d-old YP x Ross 708 male broilers were assigned to eight treatments, including fiber supplementation with oat hulls or soy hulls. Significant reductions in cumulative pathology scores were observed with specific fiber combinations.
Abstract
This study investigated the efficacy of various dietary fiber sources and combinations in mitigating subclinical enteric infection in broilers. Using a randomized complete block design, 2,160 d-old YP x Ross 708 male broilers were assigned to eight treatments. These included an unchallenged control and a challenged control, followed by six dietary treatments applied to challenged broilers. The dietary treatments consisted of fiber supplementation with oat hulls (OH) or soy hulls (SH), either alone or in combination with wheat middlings (WM) or sugar beet pulp (SBP). Birds were challenged with Eimeria spp. followed by Clostridium perfringens, and a multi-omics approach was employed to analyze jejunal histopathology, microbiome, and host mucosal transcriptome. While the enteric challenge induced significant histopathological changes, fiber combinations including OH-WM and OH-SBP significantly (P < 0.05) reduced cumulative pathology scores. The challenge caused a shift toward Lactobacillus crispatus dominance in the microbiome. Each fiber source altered the microbiome distinctively: OH increased Romboutsia sp., OH-SBP enriched beneficial Limosilactobacillus spp., and SH combinations enhanced butyrate-producing Dysosmobacter welbionis. Transcriptome analysis revealed that fiber supplementation suppressed inflammatory pathways while upregulating cell cycle progression and DNA repair pathways. Integration of bacteriome with host gene expression data revealed coordinated associations, including a link between Glutamicibacter protophormiae, Spirosoma, Eggerthella, and Blautia through host genes APOB, DSEL, and ENPP7, indicating a correlation of fiber-degrading bacteria with host lipid metabolism and extracellular matrix remodeling. These findings suggest that combining insoluble and soluble fibers may create a more resilient gut environment against enteric challenges through complementary mechanisms, with OH based combinations notably exhibiting reduced pathology, stronger anti-inflammatory response and suppression of opportunistic species.
Background
This paper addresses the impact of dietary fiber on gut health in broilers, particularly in the context of subclinical enteric infections. Previous research has indicated that dietary fibers can influence gut microbiota and immune responses. Understanding these interactions is crucial for improving poultry health and productivity.
Methods
A randomized complete block design was employed with 2,160 d-old YP x Ross 708 male broilers assigned to eight treatments. The treatments included an unchallenged control, a challenged control, and six dietary fiber treatments. The primary outcomes measured included jejunal histopathology, microbiome composition, and mucosal transcriptome changes following an enteric challenge.
Results
The enteric challenge caused significant histopathological changes, with certain fiber combinations leading to significant reductions in cumulative pathology scores (P < 0.05). The microbiome analysis revealed a shift toward Lactobacillus crispatus dominance. Specific fiber sources altered the microbiome distinctly, with notable increases in Romboutsia sp. and Limosilactobacillus spp.
Interpretation
The findings suggest that dietary fiber can modulate gut health and microbiome composition in broilers, aligning with previous studies that highlight the role of fiber in gut resilience. However, the clinical significance of the observed changes remains uncertain, particularly given the complexity of the interactions involved. Limitations such as the study's focus on a single species and the use of a multi-omics approach may confound the interpretation of results.
Key findings
- P < 0.05 for cumulative pathology scores reduction with OH-WM and OH-SBP combinations.
- Enteric challenge shifted microbiome toward Lactobacillus crispatus dominance.
- OH increased Romboutsia sp., OH-SBP enriched Limosilactobacillus spp., and SH combinations enhanced Dysosmobacter welbionis.
- Transcriptome analysis indicated fiber supplementation suppressed inflammatory pathways.
- Integration of bacteriome with host gene expression revealed correlations with lipid metabolism.
Limitations
- focus on broilers limits generalizability
- complexity of multi-omics data may obscure specific causal relationships
- single-species study may not reflect broader implications