Characterizing the effect of Campylobacter jejuni challenge on growth performance, cecal microbiota, and cecal short-chain fatty acid concentrations in broilers

Authors: HAKEEM, WALID - University Of Georgia; CASON, EMILY - University Of Georgia; ADAMS, DANIEL - University Of Georgia; FATHIMA, SHAHNA - University Of Georgia; Shanmugasundaram, Revathi; LOURENCO, JEFERSON - University Of Georgia; SELVARAJ, RAMESH - University Of Georgia

Submitted to: Animals
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/26/2024
Publication Date: 1/31/2024
Citation: Hakeem, W.G., Cason, E.E., Adams, D., Fathima, S., Shanmugasundaram, R., Lourenco, J., Selvaraj, R.K. 2024. Characterizing the effect of Campylobacter jejuni challenge on growth performance, cecal microbiota, and cecal short-chain fatty acid concentrations in broilers. Animals. 14(3),473. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14030473.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14030473

Interpretive Summary: This study examined the effect of a bacterial challenge, specifically C. jejuni, on the gut health of broiler chickens. The objective was to understand how such challenges could affect the chickens' gut microbiota and the levels of short-chain fatty acids, crucial components for their overall well-being. The study accomplished the revelation that the C. jejuni challenge did lead to some changes in the diversity and composition of the gut microbiota; however, it surprisingly didn't negatively influence the chickens' growth. Despite alterations in specific bacteria, the birds' body weight, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio remained unaffected. The significance of this accomplishment lies in gaining valuable insights into how C. jejuni interacts with the chicken gut, providing potential ways to manage bacterial challenges without compromising the birds' growth. This knowledge is crucial for developing strategies to ensure the health and well-being of broiler chickens, addressing concerns in poultry farming, and contributing to the development of more effective and sustainable practices in the industry. Ultimately, this research aids in maintaining the balance between poultry health and optimizing growth for better overall outcomes in poultry farming.

Technical Abstract: This study aimed to understand the effect of C. jejuni challenge on the cecal microbiota and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) concentration to form a better understanding of the host-pathogen interaction. Sixty broilers were randomly allocated into two treatments: Control and Challenge. Each treatment was replicated in six pens with five birds per pen. On day 21, birds in the challenge group were orally gavaged with 1 x 108 C. jejuni/ml, while the control group was mock-challenged with PBS. The C. jejuni challenge had no effect on body weight, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio compared to the control group. On day 28, the C. jejuni challenge decreased the Observed features and Shannon index compared to the control group. On the species level, the C. jejuni challenge decreased the relative abundance of Sellimonas intestinalis on day 28 and increased the relative abundance of Faecalibacterium sp002160895 on day 35 compared to the control group. The C. jejuni challenge did not change the microbial function and the cecal concentrations of SCFA on days 28 and 35 compared to the control group. In conclusion, C. jejuni can mildly alter the gut microbiota composition and diversity without significantly compromising broilers’ growth.