Diagram illustrating the intervention of gut microbiota and their metabolites in improving intestinal health in chicks. [Photo/news.hzau.edu.cn]

Professor Sun Lyuhui's team, from Huazhong Agricultural University (HZAU) College of Animal Sciences & Technology/College of Veterinary Medicine, has discovered a mechanism by which gut microbiota regulate small intestinal development. Recently published in the journal Microbiome, the study shows how specific bacteria and their metabolites strengthen the intestinal barrier and antioxidant capacity in broiler chicks during early life.

Utilizing multi-omics, microbial transplantation, and targeted metabolomics, the researchers tracked bacterial succession after the chicks hatched.

The research also reveals that both IAld and ICA are crucial in promoting tight junction protein expression. By activating the AHR-NRF2 signaling pathway, these metabolites improve the epithelial barrier function and boost antioxidant defenses. Feeding trials confirmed that the presence of these specific bacteria and their indole derivatives significantly speeds up healthy small intestinal development, which is vital for overall growth in poultry.

This study clarifies the complex interactions between gut microbes, metabolites, and host signaling. By providing a scientific basis for microbial interventions to improve gut health, the findings offer new strategies for sustainable poultry production and animal breeding.

This work involved collaboration among the National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Frontiers Science Center for Animal Breeding and Sustainable Production, and the Hubei Hongshan Laboratory.