Uncovering changes in microbiome profiles across commercial and backyard poultry farming systems

• DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01682-23
• Publication Date: 2023-08-21T13:01:15Z
• Authors: Muhammed Shafeekh...; Jessica Parzygnat; Siddhartha Thakur
• Keywords: Poultry farming; Biosecurity; Flock

The microbiome profiles of poultry production systems significantly impact bird health, welfare, and the environment. This study investigated influence broiler-rearing on composition commercial backyard chicken farms their environment over time. Understanding these effects is vital for optimizing animal growth, enhancing addressing human environmental health implications. We collected analyzed various samples from farms, revealing significant differences in microbial diversity measurements between two systems. Backyard exhibited higher alpha soil water samples, while showed values litter feeder samples. were also reflected relative abundance taxa. In Proteobacteria levels increased time, Firmicutes decreased. Campilobacterota, including major foodborne pathogen Campylobacter, time farm environments. Furthermore, Bacteroides, associated with improved growth performance chickens, more abundant farms. Conversely, pathogenic Acinetobacter was fecal swab presence Brevibacterium Brachybacterium, low-performing broiler flocks, observed suggest that management practices conditions affect welfare have potential implications health. relationships can inform targeted interventions to optimize production, improve mitigate pathogens antimicrobial resistance risks. IMPORTANCE has garnered attention due its overall performance. present investigates different systems, namely, (conventional) (non-conventional), chickens a critical aspect One-Health concept, which emphasizes interconnectedness animal, human, Our findings demonstrate type system affects both birds environment, distinct communities each system. reveals specific taxa differ providing valuable insights into may alter settings. dynamic changes our highlight complex interplay gut microbiome, factors, By identifying key players fluctuations this research offers foundation developing strategies minimizing risks results contribute growing body knowledge field guide future improvements promote sustainable healthy balance birds, they host.