| Abstrakt: |
Simple Summary: Plant-derived compounds, also known as phytogenics, are gaining popularity in the poultry industry as an effective replacement for antibiotic growth promoters, whose wide and irrational use damages the ecosystem and health of animals and humans. Phytogenics are known for improving poultry's health and production performance. These effects are closely related to the cecal microbiota of chickens, which highlights the importance of studying the effects of any feed additive related to gut microbial communities. In this study, we assessed the effects of a phytogenic blend with and without casein in high amounts on cecal microbiota composition and diversity using an artificial gastrointestinal system (CALIMERO-2) that mimics the physiology of a chicken's cecum. The phytogenic blend promoted the abundance of bacteria associated with energy metabolism and production performance in poultry and decreased the presence of opportunistic pathogens. This study showed promising feed additives that can be used as growth promoters for poultry; however, testing in living broiler chickens to prove these data is needed, as artificial GI systems cannot fully reproduce the intestinal physiology of animals. Phytogenic blends (PBs) consist of various bioactive plant-derived compounds that are used as growth promoters for farm animals. Feed additives based on PBs have beneficial effects on farm animals' production performance, health, and overall well-being, as well as positive modulating effects on gut microbiota. In this study, we used a validated in vitro cecal chicken alimentary tract model (CALIMERO-2) to evaluate the effects of a PB (a mix of components found in rosemary, cinnamon, curcuma, oregano oil, and red pepper), alone or in combination with casein (control), on poultry cecal microbiota. Supplementation with the PB significantly increased the abundance of bacteria associated with energy metabolism (Monoglobus) and growth performance in poultry (Lachnospiraceae UCG-010). The PB also decreased the abundance of opportunistic pathogens (Escherichia-Shigella) and, most importantly, did not promote other opportunistic pathogens, which indicates the safety of this blend for poultry. In conclusion, the results of this study show promising perspectives on using PBs as feed additives for poultry, although further in vivo studies need to prove these data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
