Fermented Corn–Soybean Meal Mixed Feed Modulates Intestinal Morphology, Barrier Functions and Cecal Microbiota in Laying Hens
Yinglu Liu | Jia Feng | Yamin Wang | Jing Lv | Jinghe Li | Lijuan Guo | Yuna Min
This study aimed to evaluate the effects of fermented corn–soybean meal mixed feed on intestinal barrier function and cecal microbiota in laying hens. A total of 360 Jingfen No.6 laying hens (22 wk-old) were assigned to 4 dietary treatments, which were offered basal diets (without antibiotics) containing 0, 4, 6 and 8% of fermented mixed feed respectively. The results showed that the pH value and anti-nutritional factor concentrations in fermented mixed feed were lower than those in unfermented feed (<i>p</i> < 0.05). Moreover, fermentation in the feed significantly increased the crude protein content (<i>p</i> < 0.05). Supplementation with fermented feed significantly reduced the crypt depth and increased the villi height:crypt depth ratio of duodenum and jejunum (<i>p</i> < 0.05). Meanwhile, fermented feed increased the secretory immunoglobulin A content and MUC2 mRNA expression of jejunum (<i>p</i> < 0.05). These beneficial effects were exhibited at the addition level ≥6% and microbial composition of caeca in the control, and so 6% fermented feed groups were analyzed. The structure of the gut microbiota was remarkably altered by additions, characterized by increased abundances of some health-promoting bacteria, such as <i>Parasutterella</i>, <i>Butyricicoccus</i> and <i>Erysipelotrichaceae</i> (<i>p</i> < 0.05). In summary, fermented mixed feed modulated cecal flora, subsequently contributing to improvements in intestinal morphology and barrier functions in laying hens.
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