The role of the commensal gut microbial community in broiler chickens

Abstract

To understand the relationship between the gastrointestinal inhabiting microbial community and broiler health, a literature review is presented. The available information on the development of gut microbial community, the relationship between commensal microflora and digestive function, the role of gut microorganisms on competitive exclusion of chickens against pathogens, and modulation of the gut microbial community by addition of prebiotics to the diet is summarized. Gut dominant microbial communities become more complex as broilers grow older. The establishment of the dominant bacterial community is affected by dietary and host-related factors. Dietary prebiotics can modulate bacterial community shift towards non-harmful bacteria, which is beneficial for the health of broiler chickens. Gut commensal microorganisms play an important role in the prevention of colonization by pathogens in the gastrointestinal tract of chickens, a process known as competitive exclusion. In conclusion, the dilemma caused by the forthcoming ban of antibiotics feed additives and need to maintain the intestinal health of broiler chickens, has produced an enormous interest in finding alternatives. Modulating the intestinal microbial community in a healthy direction, by dietary ingredients such as prebiotics, could be a good solution.

Effect of Dietary Inclusion of Lemon Balm (<i>Melissa Officinalis </i>L.) Extract on Performance, Gut Microflora, Blood Parameters, Immunity and Carcass Traits of Broilers

“…In fact, the groups 0.5 LB and 1.0LB negatively affected the left cecum diameter, probably due to a villi underdevelopment, and both findings can be related. The gut microflora enhancement and low cecal development can justify, at least partially (Lu et al, 2003;Lan et al, 2005), the poorly indexes efficiency observed in the present study.…”

Probiótico em dietas de suínos sobre os parâmetros sanguíneos e digestibilidade de rações

“…Também, mostrou-se o efeito nutricional dos probióticos mediante o estímulo à produção de enzimas como a lactase e pela manutenção saudável das vilosidades intestinais, as quais melhoram a digestibilidade de alimentos e a absorção de nutrientes (LAN et al, 2005).…”

Effect of different levels of crude glycerol on the morphology and some pathogenic bacteria of the small intestine in male broilers

“…The dietary composition (Teo and Tan, 2007), microflora (Lan et al, 2005), and the interaction between the diet and microflora can affect the intestinal development, mucosal architecture and the mucus composition of the gastrointestinal tract (Apajalahti et al, 2004;Teirlynck et al, 2009). Losada and Olleros (2002) found that the intestinal flora naturally contain both healthy and unhealthy bacteria.…”