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.
Highlights
The microbes in poultry intestines play an essential role in feed conversion [1], nutrient digestion and absorption [2], host protection against pathogens [3], and the maintenance of intestinal physiological balance [4] by affecting the intestinal structure and modulating the function of the digestive and immune systems
The current results revealed that housing systems could affect the production traits of laying hens, not all indicators were significantly influenced
There was no difference in egg weight, shell strength or HUs between the two housing systems in the present study, and lower egg production in the litter housing system (LRS) indicated negative laying performance
Summary
The microbes in poultry intestines play an essential role in feed conversion [1], nutrient digestion and absorption [2], host protection against pathogens [3], and the maintenance of intestinal physiological balance [4] by affecting the intestinal structure and modulating the function of the digestive and immune systems. The duodenum is crucial for food digestion and absorbs most glucose and other nutrients, with the phyla Proteobacteria and Firmicutes being predominant [5, 6]. The cecum mainly ferments complex carbohydrates and has a greater ability to absorb sugars actively at low concentrations, with the phyla Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes being predominant [6, 7]. The diversity and community structure of gut microbes in chickens are influenced by many factors, such as dietary changes, geographical locations, growth phases, and rearing conditions. Dysbiosis of the intestinal microbiota could lead to impaired digestion and immunity, which causes an increase in susceptibility to pathogens and results in reduced growth performance and health status
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
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 call
