Levels of Firmicutes, Actinobacteria Phyla and Lactobacillaceae Family on the Skin Surface of Broiler Chickens (Ross 308) Depending on the Nutritional Supplement and the Housing Conditions

Paulina Cholewińska,Marta Michalak,Szymon Skowera,Jakub Smoliński,Konrad Wojnarowski,Katarzyna Czyż

doi:10.3390/agriculture11040287

Paulina Cholewińska, Marta Michalak + Show 4 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture11040287

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Abstract

The microbiome of animals, both in the digestive tract and in the skin, plays an important role in protecting the host. The skin is one of the largest surface organs for animals; therefore, the destabilization of the microbiota on its surface can increase the risk of diseases that may adversely affect animals’ health and production rates, including poultry. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of nutritional supplementation in the form of fermented rapeseed meal and housing conditions on the level of selected bacteria phyla (Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, and family Lactobacillaceae). The study was performed on 30 specimens of broiler chickens (Ross 308), individually kept in metabolic cages for 36 days. They were divided into 5 groups depending on the feed received. On day 36, skin swabs were individually collected. Temperature and humidity were measured in the room. The temperature was measured every 2 days (18 measurements × 6 points). The results of Real-Time PCR analysis have shown a significant effect of the feed additive on the level of Firmicutes phylum on the skin. On the other hand, a variable level of the tested bacteria was shown depending on the location of the cages. The Firmicutes phylum and Lactobacillaceae family achieved the highest level in the top-window zone. However, in the case of the Actinobacteria phylum, the highest level was found at the top-door and middle-door zones. The obtained results suggest that the conditions in which animals live may affect the microbiota of their skin.

Highlights

Poultry, and in particular domestic chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus), is one of the main sources of animal protein due to one of the best feed/meat conversion ratios [1]
One of the welfare aspects is avoiding animal exposure to mechanical injuries possibility [3], which often result in disruption of the skin continuity, which may lead to many bacterial diseases [4]
0.00 case of animals, the main factors influencing the composition of their skin microbiome are envHirIoGnHment, diet, livelihood, anMdIDgDeoLgEraphical area [6,18,19]B.OInTTthOeMexperiment carried out on adult animals, it was shown that depending on the feed supplement obtained; there

Summary

Introduction

In particular domestic chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus), is one of the main sources of animal protein due to one of the best feed/meat conversion ratios [1]. We already know that the protective barrier function is maintained by ectoderm cells and by bacteria living on the surface of the skin, creating a specific ecosystem—a microbiota that, in order to fulfill its proper function, requires a balance both in terms of the species composition itself and the prevailing physicochemical conditions [6,7]. Factors such as nutrition, temperature, humidity and sunlight may affect the structure of the microbiota, which may directly affect animal health, and generate higher breeding costs [6]. In the case of broiler chickens, no tests were carried out to systematize the correct microbiological composition, which in the future may provide additional information about their health status and their welfare

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