Different Non-cage Housing Systems Alter Duodenal and Cecal Microbiota Composition in Shendan Chickens

Abstract

Housing systems are among the most important non-genetic factors affecting hen production performance and intestinal microbes. With increased interest in animal welfare, cage-free laying hen housing systems have become common, providing behavioral freedom and health benefits. The present study aimed to compare the effects of plastic net housing system (NRS) and floor litter housing system (LRS) on the composition and function of the duodenal and cecal microbiota in Shendan chicken, one of the most popular laying hen strains in China. The associations between the differential microbiota abundance and production traits and intestinal morphological parameters were determined. Compared with the LRS, the NRS improved the laying rate (p < 0.05) and increased the villus height (VH) of the duodenum (p < 0.05) and the VH-to-crypt depth ratio (VCR) of the cecum (p < 0.05). Alpha diversity analysis showed that LRS chickens had a significantly higher diversity and richness than NRS chickens. Beta diversity analysis demonstrated differences in the microbiota composition based on housing systems. Within the cecum, Proteobacteria and Kiritimatiellaeota were significantly more abundant in the LRS than in the NRS (p < 0.05), while Bacteroidetes were significantly less abundant in the LRS (p < 0.05). Phascolarctobacterium and Ruminococcaceae_UCG-005 were significantly less abundant in the LRS (p < 0.05) compare to the NRS. Within the duodenum, Lactobacillus was significantly less abundant in the LRS (p < 0.05) than in the NRS, while Pseudomonas was significantly more abundant in the LRS (p < 0.05). Cecal Phascolarctobacterium and Ruminococcaceae_UCG-005 were significantly positively correlated with eggshell strength (R = 0.608, p < 0.01) and egg weight (R = 0.526, p < 0.05), respectively. Duodenal Lactobacillus was significantly positively correlated with VH and VCR (R = 0.548 and 0.565, p < 0.05), while Pseudomonas was significantly negatively correlated with the Haugh unit (R = −0.550, p < 0.05). In conclusion, there are differences in the cecal and duodenal microbiota compositions of Shendan laying hens reared in different non-cage housing systems, and the NRS was superior to the LRS in improving the laying performance and intestinal morphology and microecological environment.

Variations in the fecal microbiota and their functions of Thoroughbred, Mongolian, and Hybrid horses

“…In addition, the Ruminococcaceae in the horse gut have also been proved to have immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects ( 56 ). Ruminococcaceae_UCG-005 showed a significantly positive correlation with eggshell strength and egg weight, presumably achieved by increasing feed conversion in laying hens ( 57 ). Ruminococcaceae_UCG_005 also has a potent cellulolytic capacity ( 58 ).…”

Effects of Different-Sized Cages on the Production Performance, Serum Parameters, and Caecal Microbiota Composition of Laying Hens

“…At the level of the most abundant genera, the abundance of Lactobacillus was higher in hens from HC than in hens from LC and MC, while the abundance of Bacteroides was the lowest in birds from MC. Lactobacillus is considered an important probiotic in the intestine of animals and is conductive to digestion and immunity [37], and was reported to be more highly abundant in the caecum of chickens who exhibited better health status [38]. The higher abundance of Lactobacillus in hens from HC may related to the larger space allowance and lower crowding stress, while oxidative stress could be induced by the crowding in smaller cages to promote pathogenic bacteria and reduce Lactobacillus [39,40].…”

Housing Systems Affect Eggshell Lightness and Free Amino Acid Contents of Egg Albumen in Tosa-Jidori Chickens: A Preliminary Research

“…Various reasons can be thought of when considering the causes of changes in egg components depending on the housing systems. For example, it is known that intestinal bacterial flora was modulated by environmental conditions such as different exercise stimuli [46] and that different housing systems change the microbiota in chickens [47,48]. Wan et al [48] have reported differences in the cecal and duodenal microbiota compositions of Shendan chickens reared in different non-cage housing systems (plastic net housing system and floor litter housing system).…”

“…For example, it is known that intestinal bacterial flora was modulated by environmental conditions such as different exercise stimuli [46] and that different housing systems change the microbiota in chickens [47,48]. Wan et al [48] have reported differences in the cecal and duodenal microbiota compositions of Shendan chickens reared in different non-cage housing systems (plastic net housing system and floor litter housing system). This may indicate that different housing systems change the microbiota, which affects digestibility, nutrient absorption, metabolism, and egg formation.…”