The role of gastrointestinal tract microbiota in chicken productivity

A comparison of the microbiota present in the gut of individual chickens indicates that the composition can vary considerably, even when reared at the same time under identical conditions. By studying these microbial changes and correlating them with other changes in the bird's biology we aim to define important host-microbe interactions. Using the latest high throughput DNA sequencing methods to characterize microbial populations we have found that the differential abundance of some bacterial species correlates with differences seen in the feed conversion ratios of individual birds, indicating that there are microbes present that may positively or adversely affect bird productivity. We are now investigating these interesting bacterial species to see if manipulation of their numbers can affect productivity outcomes.