Establishment, distribution and physiological significance of the intestinal microbiota in chicken

Abstract:

The chicken gastrointestinal tract (GIT) harbors a complex microbial community. The intestinal microbiota is closely related to both the intestinal and overall health of the host. In order to get insights into the composition and function of chicken gut microbiota (intestinal microbiome) we provide an overview of the chicken gastrointestinal microbiota by focusing on the establishment and development, spatial distribution in all intestinal compartments and physiological significance. We foresee advances in strategies to isolate and effectively utilize the functional bacteria in chicken intestinal tract and reasonably manage/modulate the intestinal microbe-host interactions to enhance feed efficiency and improve gut health.