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oai:figshare.com:article/32640492 2026-10-01T16:30:43Z portal_1172 item_type_8 month_year_10_2026

Untangling the importance of poultry associated microbiomes for food security Phillip Brian Burrows (24169296) PUREID: 618025393 microbiome 16S rRNA gene chicken poultry core microbiome gastrointestinal tract metataxonomy diversity faecal early life management microbiota egg hatching The domesticated chicken, Gallus gallus domesticus, is rapidly becoming the most common and enjoyed protein source globally; this increased demand presents adverse effects on production. In order to meet demands, broilers, chicken destined for meat production, must reach productive weights after ~35 days of age. Where numerous approaches have been investigated, the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) microbiome has reflected a highly influential prospect over years of research. Probiotics, prebiotics, antibiotics and a wide range of supplementation in feed have proven useful in manipulating development of the GIT microbiome, in response to efficient fermentation and catabolism of non-starch polysaccharides (NSP) to readily available short chain fatty acids (SCFA) for host digestion.<br><br>We investigated core chicken GIT microbial communities using online databases, identifying members, including Lactobacillus, Faecalibacterium, Eisenbergiella, Butyricicoccus and Blautia, that contribute to SCFA production to support host nutrition. Through understanding the faecobiome, we gained an insight to GIT microbial members applied to broilers reared using differing early life management systems. We highlight that broilers reared with immediate access to feed and water presented a rapid ‘kick start’ in microbiome development, with overall limited long-term impacts on microbiome composition or production. The final experimental chapter of this thesis explores the broiler GIT microbiome across life stages in broilers sourced with historically divergent productivity. Productivity was insignificant between groups, as communities themselves were strongly influenced by age as a factor than farm origin. Furthermore, key members of the GIT microbiome had been identified, likewise, potential microbiome establishment from the egg to chick, and into adulthood.<br><br>Overall, this thesis presents the chicken GIT microbiome under various conditions, emphasising the need for better understanding to enhance broiler production efficiency amongst the ever-rising demand as a protein source.<br> 2026-10-01T16:30:43Z Text Thesis 10.17034/32640492.v1 https://figshare.com/articles/thesis/Untangling_the_importance_of_poultry_associated_microbiomes_for_food_security/32640492 All Rights Reserved