Impact of phytogenic additive and sodium monensin on broiler gut microbiota and immune response to Eimeria infection.

Abstract

This study evaluated the effect of Sodium Monensin or Phytogenic additive (based on Acacia concinna and Saccharum officinarum) on the gut microbiota and immune response of broiler chickens infected with E. tenella, E. acervulina, and E. maxima. A total of 120 male broiler were divided in 3 treatments: Control group (without infection and additives); Ionophore group (sodium monensin, 100 ppm + Eimeria challenged) and Phytogenic group (poly-herbal product at 750 ppm + Eimeria challenged). At 28 days, the intestinal content of four birds per treatment was collected for microbiota analysis by Miseq Illumina platform. Samples of jejunum-ileum were collected for mRNA gene transcription reactions using StepOnePlus™ Real-Time PCR System. The intestinal microbiota was dominated by members of the phylum Firmicutes, regardless of treatment. Phytogenic group had a higher relative proportion of Firmicutes in the ileum-jejunum, and a higher proportion of Bacteroidetes in the cecum, while Ionophore group exhibited a higher relative proportion of Proteobacteria and Cyanobacteria. The Phytogenic group enhanced the relative abundances of Lactobacillaceae, Bacteroidaceae, and Peptostreptococcaceae, while monensin enhanced Lactobacillaceae, Rikenellaceae, Bacteroidaceae, and Clostridiaceae. Under a coccidiosis challenge, the ionophore and phytogenic additives modulated the immune system by increasing IL-6 and MUC13 gene transcription compared to the Control group. The phytogenic product, a mixture composed by A. concinna and S. officinarum, and sodium monensin enhanced the abundance of important bacterial groups for the establishment of a favorable intestinal microbiota in the face of an intestinal challenge. This study found that both phytogenic additives and sodium monensin altered gut microbiota composition and enhanced immune responses in broilers infected with Eimeria spp.