Transplantion of predominant Lactobacilli from native hens to commercial hens could indirectly regulate their ISC activity by improving intestinal microbiota

In poultry, HyLine (HL) Hens are known for their excellent laying performance. However, ZhenNing (ZN) Hens, a native chicken breed in China, are known for their unique flavour. The intestinal mucosa, which is the main organ for nutrient absorption, could affect livestock product quality. In ZN Hens' intestinal mucosa, we found more villus wrinkles, larger villus circumference and higher amino acid transporters mRNA abundance compared with HL Hens. Among three laying periods of ZN Hens, in the intestinal lumen, Lactobacillus salivarius (L. sa.), Lactobacillus agilis (L. ag.) and Lactobacillus aviarius were the predominant species in the laying peak period. Furthermore, multiple-antibiotics feeding in ZN Hens and predominant Lactobacillus feeding in HL Hens suggested that these Lactobacilli could indeed increase villus wrinkles and improve intestinal absorption. In HL Hens, L. sa. + L. ag. treatment could promote organoids budding in vitro, and promote epithelial proliferation in vivo. Collectively, the unique intestinal mucosa morphology in ZN Hens was due to the high abundance of intestinal L. sa. and L. ag. Transplant these Lactobacilli to HL Hens could increase their intestinal probiotics abundance, fine adjust the intestinal stem cell function and promote the epithelial proliferation, in turn, increase villus winkles and mucosal absorption area.

Automated summary

HyLine Hens are known for their excellent laying performance, while ZhenNing Hens are known for their unique flavor. The unique intestinal mucosa morphology in ZhenNing Hens is characterized by higher abundance of intestinal Lactobacillus, which contributes to increased villus wrinkles and improved intestinal absorption. Transplanting these Lactobacilli to HyLine Hens could potentially increase their intestinal probiotics abundance, adjust the intestinal stem cell function, promote epithelial proliferation, and increase villus winkles and mucosal absorption area.