Project Abstract

Investigating the Impact of Dietary Probiotics on the Gut Microbiome and Growth Performance of Broiler Chickens This project aims to investigate the impact of dietary probiotics on the gut microbiome and growth performance of broiler chickens. The poultry industry is a significant contributor to the global food supply, and the efficient and sustainable production of broiler chickens is of paramount importance. However, the increased use of antibiotics in the poultry industry has led to concerns about antibiotic resistance and the need for alternative approaches to improve broiler health and productivity. Probiotics, defined as live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host, have emerged as a promising alternative to antibiotics in the poultry industry. Probiotics can modulate the gut microbiome, enhance immune function, and improve nutrient utilization, all of which can contribute to improved growth performance and overall broiler health. Understanding the impact of dietary probiotics on the gut microbiome and its subsequent effects on broiler growth performance is crucial for developing effective probiotic-based strategies to optimize broiler production. This project will employ a multidisciplinary approach, combining microbiology, molecular biology, and animal science, to comprehensively investigate the impact of dietary probiotics on broiler chickens. The study will involve a series of controlled experiments, where broiler chickens will be fed diets supplemented with different probiotic strains or a control diet without probiotics. The gut microbiome composition and diversity will be analyzed using state-of-the-art sequencing technologies, while growth performance parameters, such as body weight, feed conversion ratio, and carcass characteristics, will be meticulously recorded. The project will also investigate the underlying mechanisms by which probiotics influence the gut microbiome and subsequently impact broiler growth performance. This will include analyses of gut histomorphology, nutrient digestibility, and immune responses, as well as the identification of key microbial taxa and metabolic pathways associated with the beneficial effects of probiotics. The findings from this project will have significant implications for the poultry industry. By elucidating the role of dietary probiotics in shaping the gut microbiome and enhancing broiler growth performance, the study will provide critical insights to inform the development of probiotic-based feed additives and management strategies. This knowledge can ultimately lead to the implementation of more sustainable and efficient broiler production practices, reducing the reliance on antibiotics and enhancing the overall health and well-being of broiler chickens. Furthermore, the project's findings will contribute to the broader understanding of the complex interactions between the gut microbiome, host physiology, and animal performance. The insights gained from this study may also have applications in other livestock species, fostering the development of innovative strategies to optimize animal production and promote sustainable agriculture. In conclusion, this comprehensive investigation of the impact of dietary probiotics on the gut microbiome and growth performance of broiler chickens holds the potential to advance our knowledge in the field of poultry science and facilitate the implementation of more sustainable and efficient broiler production practices.

Project Overview