Abstract
In poultry production, gut microbiota (GM) plays a pivotal role and influences different host functions related to the efficiency of production performances. Antimicrobial (AM) use is one of the main factors affecting GM composition and functions. Although several studies have focused their attention on the role of AMs as growth promoters in the modulation of GM in broilers, the consequences of higher AM concentrations administered during prophylactic treatments need to be better elucidated. For this purpose, 16S rRNA gene sequencing was performed to evaluate the impact of different prophylactic AM protocols on the composition and diversity of the broiler GM. Diversity analysis has shown that AM treatment significantly affects alpha diversity in ileum and beta diversity in both ileum and caecum. In ileal samples, the Enterobacteriaceae family has been shown to be particularly affected by AM treatments. AMs have been demonstrated to affect GM composition in broiler. These findings indicate that withdrawal periods were not enough for the restoral of the original GM. Further studies are needed for a better elucidation of the negative effects caused by an altered GM in broilers.
Highlights
The intestinal microbiota is a complex microbial community that has established a symbiotic relationship with its animal host [1]
A total of 3421 unique operational taxonomic units (OTUs) at 99% nucleotide sequence identity were identified in caecum samples, while 1153 unique OTUs were identified in ileum samples
It is well known that broiler gut microbiota (GM) is a favorable environment for the dissemination of antimicrobials resistance (AMR) genes between commensal and pathogenic bacteria [16]
Summary
The intestinal microbiota is a complex microbial community that has established a symbiotic relationship with its animal host [1]. It is well known that gut microbiota (GM) plays an essential role as a first-line defense in the intestinal mucosal barrier [2] This microbial community has evolved together with the animal host and through the colonization resistance ensures the prevention of animal health from the arousal of intestinal infectious disease [2,3]. The broiler GM varies among the different intestinal tracts and its composition reflects their different functions [7] Several studies focused their attention on the role of AMs as growth promoters in the modulation of GM in broilers [13,14,15], but the consequences of higher AM concentration on GM, e.g., during prophylactic treatments, need to be better elucidated. We evaluated the different impact of AM treatment on the ileum and caecum microbiota
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
