Genomics and benefits of early intestinal microbiota colonisation

• Improve intestinal maturation
• Increase the amount of nutrients that cross the intestinal epithelium from the lumen into the bloodstream
• Decrease the presence of pathogens in the intestine
• Facilitate the degradation of nutrients
• Produce substances that are used as an energy source by the intestinal cells
• Stimulate the immune defense mechanisms in the intestine

However, we have only just begun to understand the role of the host gut microbiota, especially since most of the research in this field has been done on the same basis as the human microbiota.

The intestinal microbiota of commercial birds is extremely interesting and unique .

Our team of researchers, using data generated in various studies carried out over several years, is trying to understand the intestinal microbiota of birds and its importance for:

• Bird development
• Maintaining intestinal health

The intestinal tract of the Athens Canadian Random Bred (ACRB) strain of birds, which represent an unselected genetic line since 1957, show differences in:

• Structure of the intestinal villi
• Absorption surface
• Intestine length compared to modern birds of the same age

These differences can also be recognized as different habitats that are colonized in different ways. Our studies showed that ACRB birds show less diversity in their intestinal microbiota and a different bacterial composition compared to modern birds fed the same diet (Figure 1).

Figure 1. Intestinal diversity in birds subjected to intense genetic selection compared to birds not selected since 1957

Figure 2. Potential pathogens identified in the intestine of newborn chicks

It can be assumed that the genetic selection of commercial birds to improve economic performance has also led to a selection of the intestinal microbiota.