The digestive/reproductive tract microbiota dominates over host genetics in regulating chicken egg production

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diyan Li ◽  
Shilin Tian ◽  
Wei Zhu ◽  
Yuan Su ◽  
Tao Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Immune System ◽  
Digestive Tract ◽  
Egg Production ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
Reproductive Activity ◽  
Design Strategies ◽  
Host Genetics ◽  
Microbiome Composition ◽  
And Performance

Abstract Background: The microbiota of the digestive and reproductive systems has a prominent role in animal health and performance, but the extent of its contribution is difficult to determine. In chickens, the effect of host genetics on the reproductive and digestive tract microbiota is unclear, and the means by which digestive/reproductive microbiomes help improve egg production in chicken are unknown. Results: To gain insight into this, we examined genomes from 128 chickens reared under identical conditions and described their digestive (crop, gizzard and small intestine) and reproductive tract (vagina, uterus and isthmus) microbiota. Although the diversity, composition and predicted function of the digestive and reproductive tract microbiota exhibited notable microbiota variation substantially between different parts, host genetics had limited effects on the reproductive and digestive tract microbial community. The digestive and reproductive tract microbiota had a significant effect on egg production (accounting for 52.31% - 98.86% of the variance), after correcting for host genetic effects; in particular, the uterus and isthmus microbiota accounted for an average of 93.59% and 98.86%, respectively, of variance in egg production. We further identified four reproductive tract microbial species which were related to immune system, Bacteroides fragilis , Bacteroides salanitronis , Bacteroides barnesiae and Clostridium leptum , that were significantly positively correlated with egg production. Chickens with a lower abundance of these species had produced significantly fewer eggs at 300 days of age (37.13 vs. 113.75) than those with a higher abundance of these microorganisms. We speculated that these microorganisms regulate chicken reproductive activity by mediating its immune system. Conclusions: Host genetics has limited effect on digestive/reproductive microbiome composition. The distinct site-associated chicken microbiome may be determined by the differences of their physical function. These findings may help design strategies for controlling and altering the digestive/reproductive tract microbiota in chickens to improve egg production.

Influence of the digestive/reproductive tract microbiota on chicken egg production beyond host genetics

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diyan Li ◽  
Shilin Tian ◽  
Wei Zhu ◽  
Yuan Su ◽  
Tao Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Digestive Tract ◽  
Egg Production ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
Design Strategies ◽  
Host Genetics ◽  
Microbiome Composition ◽  
Chicken Egg ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Major Factors

Abstract Background: The microbiota of the digestive and reproductive systems has a prominent role in animal health and performance, but the extent of its contribution is difficult to determine. In chickens, the effect of host genetics on the reproductive and digestive tract microbiota is unclear, and the means by which digestive/reproductive microbiomes help improve egg production in chicken are unknown.Results: To gain insight into this, we examined genomes from 128 chickens reared under identical conditions and described their digestive (crop, gizzard and small intestine) and reproductive tract (vagina, uterus and isthmus) microbiota. Although the diversity, composition and predicted function of the digestive and reproductive tract microbiota exhibited notable microbiota variation substantially between different parts, host genetics had limited effects on the reproductive and digestive tract microbial community. The digestive and reproductive tract microbiota had a significant effect on egg production (accounting for 52.31% - 98.86% of the variance), after correcting for host genetic effects; in particular, the uterus and isthmus microbiota accounted for an average of 93.59% and 98.86%, respectively, of variance in egg production. We further identified four reproductive tract microbial species which were related to immune system, Bacteroides fragilis, Bacteroides salanitronis, Bacteroides barnesiae and Clostridium leptum, that were significantly positively correlated with egg production. Chickens with a lower abundance of these species had produced significantly fewer eggs at 300 days of age (37.13 vs. 113.75) than those with a higher abundance of these microorganisms. These taxa indicate potential roles play in promoting reproductive performance. Especially uterus and isthmus tract microbiota were major factors in regulating the chicken egg production.Conclusions: Host genetics has limited effect on digestive/reproductive microbiome composition. The distinct site-associated chicken microbiome may be determined by the differences of their physical function. These findings may help design strategies for controlling and altering the digestive/reproductive tract microbiota in chickens to improve egg production.

scholarly journals Association of female reproductive tract microbiota with egg production in layer chickens

GigaScience ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuan Su ◽  
Shilin Tian ◽  
Diyan Li ◽  
Wei Zhu ◽  
Tao Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Immune Function ◽  
Digestive Tract ◽  
Egg Production ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Bacteroides Fragilis ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Animal Reproduction ◽  
Microbial Species ◽  
Relative Contribution ◽  
Predicted Function

Abstract Background The microbiota of the female reproductive tract is increasingly recognized as playing fundamental roles in animal reproduction. To explore the relative contribution of reproductive tract microbiomes to egg production in chickens, we investigated the microbiota in multiple reproductive and digestive tract sites from 128 female layer (egg-producing) chickens in comparable environments. Results We identified substantial differences between the diversity, composition, and predicted function of site-associated microbiota. Differences in reproductive tract microbiota were more strongly associated with egg production than those in the digestive tract. We identified 4 reproductive tract microbial species, Bacteroides fragilis, Bacteroides salanitronis, Bacteroides barnesiae, and Clostridium leptum, that were related to immune function and potentially contribute to enhanced egg production. Conclusions These findings provide insights into the diverse microbiota characteristics of reproductive and digestive tracts and may help in designing strategies for controlling and manipulating chicken reproductive tract microbiota to improve egg production.

scholarly journals Immunomodulatory Effects of Dietary Phosphorus and Calcium in Two Strains of Laying Hens

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 129
Author(s):  
Tanja Hofmann ◽  
Sonja Schmucker ◽  
Vera Sommerfeld ◽  
Korinna Huber ◽  
Markus Rodehutscord ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
T Cells ◽  
Immune System ◽  
Egg Production ◽  
Laying Hens ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Mineral Phosphorus ◽  
Immune Parameters ◽  
Dietary Phosphorus ◽  
The Impact

Insufficient nutrient supply can impair the immune system, which is important for animal health and welfare. Since chicken can partly hydrolyze phytate, which is the primary phosphorus storage in plant seeds, a reduction of mineral phosphorus in the diets could be an option for more sustainable egg production. Laying hens require high concentrations of calcium that might inhibit the function of endogenous enzymes for phytate hydrolyzation. The objective of this study was to characterize the impact of standard and reduced dietary phosphorus and calcium concentrations on the number and functionality of immune cells in the peripheral and gut-associated immune system in a white and brown laying hen strain. Reduced mineral phosphorus enhanced several immune parameters such as B cells in blood and IgA concentrations in bile in both strains, and peripheral monocytes and T cells in cecal tonsils in brown hens. Reduced calcium levels resulted in lower numbers of T cells in blood and cecal tonsils in both strains, suggesting negative effects on adaptive immunity. Differences between the two strains were found in almost all immune parameters. Results suggest a potentially beneficial effect of reduced dietary mineral phosphorus on the immune system that is dependent on the genetic background.

scholarly journals The potential for probiotics to prevent reproductive tract lesions in free-range laying hens

2013 ◽  
Vol 53 (12) ◽  
pp. 1298 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Shini ◽  
A. Shini ◽  
P. J. Blackall
Keyword(s):  
Egg Production ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Laying Hens ◽  
Performance Status ◽  
Daily Basis ◽  
Bacterial Colonisation ◽  
Free Range ◽  
Group 3 ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Commercial Probiotics

A study was undertaken to investigate the ability of two commercial probiotics applied in free-range laying hens (from 18 to 22 weeks of age) in reducing the occurrence of reproductive tract pathologies, and improving hen health and performance. In all, 630 17-week-old brown layers were transferred to a freshly cleaned free-range laying facility, and randomly divided into three groups, with three replicates of 70 birds each. Both probiotics were administered in the drinking water (Groups 1 and 2) on a daily basis for 4 weeks, while Group 3 was left untreated. At 38 weeks of age, the results demonstrated that treatment with either probiotic significantly reduced the occurrence of reproductive tract pathologies (control vs probiotics, 33% vs 22% and 11%; P < 0.01), mortalities (control vs probiotics; 3.8% vs 1.5 and 1.9%; P < 0.01), and increased the performance of hens, for another 20 weeks post-treatments (hen day production for control vs probiotics 75% vs 90% and 94%; P < 0.01). Birds treated with probiotics maintained their bodyweight and egg weights at standard ranges, while untreated birds did not perform at this level. Although we were unable to show any effect on cloacal bacterial colonisation, the results of the present study provided some initial evidence that reproductive pathologies that often cause drops in egg production and sudden deaths of birds, can be reduced if free range hens are treated with a commercial probiotic before or during the onset of lay. The use of a probiotic benefits the health and performance status of hens, resulting in better hen welfare and significant economic gains to egg producers.

Changes in the Male Reproductive Organs of the Dugong, Dugong dugon (Sirenia: Dugondidae) with Age and Reproductive Activity

1984 ◽  
Vol 32 (6) ◽  
pp. 721 ◽  
Author(s):  
H Marsh ◽  
GE Heinsohn ◽  
TD Glover
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Prostate Gland ◽  
Reproductive Activity ◽  
Reproductive Organs ◽  
Seminal Vesicles ◽  
Growth Layer ◽  
Male Reproductive Tract ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative ◽  
Quantitative Examination ◽  
Testicular Histology

The anatomy and histology of the male reproductive tract of the dugong (Dugong dugon) is described. Each testis and its adjacent epididymis lie immediately caudal to the corresponding kidney. The seminal vesicles are large but there is no discrete prostate gland and the bulbo-urethral glands are also diffuse. Both qualitative and quantitative examination of the testes and epididymides of 59 males whose ages have been estimated from tusk dentinal growth layer counts indicate that the male dugong does not produce spermatozoa continuously, despite the absence of a distinct breeding season. Individual dugongs were observed with testes at all stages between complete quiescence and full spermatogenesis, and only 10 of the 40 mature males had fully spermatogenic testes and epididymides packed with spermatozoa. Androgenic and spermatogenic activity of the testes appeared to be in phase, but the testicular histology of some old males suggested that they may have been sterile for long periods.

Updating futsal physiology, immune system, and performance

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-18
Author(s):  
Leandro Borges ◽  
Alexandre Dermargos ◽  
Renata Gorjão ◽  
Maria F. Cury-Boaventura ◽  
Sandro M. Hirabara ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Immune System ◽  
And Performance

scholarly journals Determination of Efficacy of Single and Double 4.7 mg Deslorelin Acetate Implant on the Reproductive Activity of Female Pond Sliders (Trachemys scripta)

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 660
Author(s):  
Edoardo Bardi ◽  
Martina Manfredi ◽  
Raffaella Capitelli ◽  
Emanuele Lubian ◽  
Alessandro Vetere ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Phase Ii ◽  
Egg Production ◽  
Reproductive Activity ◽  
Trachemys Scripta ◽  
Phase Iii ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Sexual Hormones ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Group 6 ◽  
Plasmatic Concentration

The use of long-acting gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists to suppress fertility has been poorly investigated in reptiles, and the few available studies show inconsistent results. The efficacy of single and double intramuscular 4.7 mg deslorelin acetate implants in captive pond sliders (Trachemys scripta) was investigated, with 20 animals divided into three groups: a single-implant group (6 animals), a double-implant group (6 animals), and a control group (no implant). During one reproductive season (March to October), plasmatic concentration of sexual hormones (estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone) and ovarian morphometric activity via computed tomography were monitored about every 30 days. A significative decrease in the number of phase II ovarian follicles was detected in the double-implant group compared with the control group, but no significant difference was noted in the number of phase III and phase IV follicles, egg production, and plasmatic concentration of sexual hormones. Results show that neither a single nor a double deslorelin acetate implant can successfully inhibit reproduction in female pond sliders during the ongoing season, but the lower number of phase II follicles in the double-implant group can possibly be associated with reduced fertility in the following seasons.

scholarly journals Inter and intraspecies comparison of the level of selected bacterial phyla in in cattle and sheep based on feces

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Natalia Szeligowska ◽  
Paulina Cholewińska ◽  
Katarzyna Czyż ◽  
Konrad Wojnarowski ◽  
Marzena Janczak
Keyword(s):  
Digestive Tract ◽  
Environmental Conditions ◽  
Genetic Factors ◽  
Disease Symptoms ◽  
Microbiome Composition ◽  
Bacterial Phyla ◽  
As Species ◽  
Individual Host ◽  
Host Effect ◽  
The Individual

Abstract Background The microbiome of the digestive tract of ruminants contains microbial ecosystem that is affected by both environmental and genetic factors. The subject of this study concerns the influence of selected genetic factors, such as species of animals and “host” individual differences on the digestive tract microbiome composition. The results show the core microbiological composition (Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes) of ruminants digestive tract (based on feces) depending on breed and “host”. The Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes phyla are the most abundant in ruminants digestive tract. The aim of the study was to determine the differences prevalence level of Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes phyla in feces of Charolaise cattle and Polish Olkuska Sheep with respect to intra- and inter-species variability. Results The research group in the experiment consisted of animals at the age of 3 months kept in the same environmental conditions – rams of Polish Olkuska Sheep (n = 10) and Charolaise bulls (n = 10). Feces were collected individually from each animal (animals without disease symptoms were selected), living on the same environmental conditions. The analysis of the results in terms of species showed differences in the Firmicutes phylum level and Lactobacillaceae family between rams and bulls. Subsequently, the analysis performed for the “host effect” showed differentiation in the levels of the Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes phyla between individuals in a group and also between the groups. Conclusion The obtained results suggest that, apart from the diet and the environment, the species and the individual host are equally important factors influencing the microbiological composition of the digestive system of ruminants.

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