The link between broiler flock heterogeneity and cecal microbiome composition.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Despite low genetic variation of broilers and deployment of considerate management practices, there still exists considerable body weight (BW) heterogeneity within broiler flocks which adversely affects the commercial value. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of the cecal microbiome in weight differences between animals. Understanding how the gut microbiome may contribute to flock heterogeneity helps to pave the road for identifying methods to improve flock uniformity and performance.

Results

Two hundred eighteen male broiler chicks were housed in the same pen, reared for 37 days, and at study end the 25 birds with highest BW (Big) and the 25 birds with lowest BW (Small) were selected for microbiome analysis. Cecal contents were analyzed by a hy

SUBMITTER: Lundberg R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8325257 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature