Assessment of Microbiota Modulation in Poultry to Combat Infectious Diseases
Author
Montoro-Dasí, Laura; Villagra, Arantxa; De-Toro, María; Pérez-Gracia, María T.; Vega, Santiago; Marín, ClaraDate
2021Cita bibliográfica
Montoro-Dasi, L.; Villagra, A.; de Toro, M.; Pérez-Gracia, M.T.; Vega, S. & Marín, C. (2021). Assessment of Microbiota Modulation in Poultry to Combat Infectious Diseases. Animals, 11, 615..Abstract
Poultry is one of the main agricultural sub-sectors worldwide. However, public concern
regarding animal welfare and antimicrobial resistance has risen in recent years. Due to the influence
of management practices on microbiota, it might be considered to evaluate poultry welfare and
health. Therefore, the objective of this research was to analyse the influence on microbiota balance of
broilers under commercial and optimal farm conditions, using 16S rRNA sequencing analysis. The
research was performed in two identical poultry houses (commercial vs. optimal). Results showed
a higher level of microbiota complexity in the group reared under optimal farm conditions at the
end of rearing. Regarding microbiota composition, Firmicutes was the dominant phylum during the
entire growing period. However, the second most prevalent phylum was Proteobacteria at the arrival
day, and Bacteroidetes from the mid-period onward in both groups. Moreover, the most predominant
genera identified were Oscillospira, Ruminococcus, Bacteroides, and Coprococcus. In conclusion, it is
necessary to optimize farm management as much as possible. Using gut microbiota diversity and
composition as biomarkers of animal health could be an important tool for infectious disease control,
with the aim of reducing the administration of antibiotics at field level.