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The role of the commensal gut microbial community in broiler chickens

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  18 September 2007

Y. Lan ,
M.W.A. Verstegen ,
S. Tamminga  and
B.A. Williams
Y. Lan
Affiliation:
Animal Nutrition Group, Institute of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University, P.O. Box 338, 6700 AH Wageningen, The Netherlands
M.W.A. Verstegen*
Affiliation:
Animal Nutrition Group, Institute of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University, P.O. Box 338, 6700 AH Wageningen, The Netherlands
S. Tamminga
Affiliation:
Animal Nutrition Group, Institute of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University, P.O. Box 338, 6700 AH Wageningen, The Netherlands
B.A. Williams
Affiliation:
Animal Nutrition Group, Institute of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University, P.O. Box 338, 6700 AH Wageningen, The Netherlands
*
*Corresponding author: [email protected]
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Abstract

To understand the relationship between the gastrointestinal inhabiting microbial community and broiler health, a literature review is presented. The available information on the development of gut microbial community, the relationship between commensal microflora and digestive function, the role of gut microorganisms on competitive exclusion of chickens against pathogens, and modulation of the gut microbial community by addition of prebiotics to the diet is summarized. Gut dominant microbial communities become more complex as broilers grow older. The establishment of the dominant bacterial community is affected by dietary and host-related factors. Dietary prebiotics can modulate bacterial community shift towards non-harmful bacteria, which is beneficial for the health of broiler chickens. Gut commensal microorganisms play an important role in the prevention of colonization by pathogens in the gastrointestinal tract of chickens, a process known as competitive exclusion. In conclusion, the dilemma caused by the forthcoming ban of antibiotics feed additives and need to maintain the intestinal health of broiler chickens, has produced an enormous interest in finding alternatives. Modulating the intestinal microbial community in a healthy direction, by dietary ingredients such as prebiotics, could be a good solution.

Keywords

gut microbial communitycompetitive exclusiongut mucosal cell proliferationprebioticbroiler chickens
Type
Reviews
Information
World's Poultry Science Journal , Volume 61 , Issue 1 , March 2005 , pp. 95 - 104
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2005

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