Fasting-Induced Molting Impacts the Intestinal Health by Altering the Gut Microbiota

Simple Summary In poultry production, fasting can remodel ovarian function and thereby delay the aging process of chickens. However, this approach may induce various stresses on the intestinal health of chickens. So, intestinal injury, the microbiome, and the metabolome were analyzed individually and integrated to elucidate the impact of the intestinal flora on intestinal injury during fasting-induced molting (FIM). The findings revealed that fasting led to intestinal villus atrophy, inflammation in the intestines, and disruption of gut microbiota and metabolites. During the fasting period, intestinal injury is associated with an increased abundance of Escherichia_Shigella and related metabolites Citrulline and Sterobilin, as well as a decreased abundance of Ruminococcaceae_UCG-013 and Lactobacillus and related metabolites Lanthionine and reduced Glutathione. This provides an experimental basis for improving the gut microbiota and reducing intestinal inflammation during the FIM process.Abstract Fasting-induced molting (FIM) is a common method used to improve the laying performance of aged laying hens. Nevertheless, this approach may impose various stresses on chickens, such as disruptions in intestinal flora and inflammation issues within the intestines. However, the impact of an imbalance in intestinal flora on intestinal health during the FIM process remains elusive. Therefore, intestinal injury, the microbiome, and the metabolome were analyzed individually and integrated to elucidate the impact of the intestinal flora on intestinal health during the FIM process. The findings indicated that fasting resulted in a notable reduction in villus height and villus/crypt ratio, coupled with elevated levels of intestinal inflammation and permeability. During the fasting period, microbiota compositions changed. The abundance of Escherichia_Shigella increased, while the abundance of Ruminococcaceae_UCG-013 and Lactobacillus decreased. Escherichia_Shigella was positively correlated with Citrinin and Sterobilin, which lead to intestinal inflammation. Ruminococcaceae_UCG-013 and Lactobacillus exhibited positive correlations with Lanthionine and reduced Glutathione, thereby reducing intestinal inflammation. This study screened the intestinal probiotics, Ruminococcaceae UCG-013 and Lactobacillus, that influence gut health during the fasting period, providing an experimental basis for improving gut microbiota and reducing intestinal inflammation during the FIM process.