Chicken intestinal development is affected by different dietary interventions
Gut health is a prerequisite for broiler welfare. In this study, we investigated the effect of three dietary interventions on small intestinal development in broilers and special emphasis on immunity. Morphometry and immunostaining showed no significant differences in any of the treatments, however, gene expression revealed significant differences in the LPHF and MCFA treatments. Pathway enrichment analysis showed a few main pathways involved in regulation of cellular processes, cell structural processes, and cell protection, as well as a putative link to inflammatory processes. Taken together, these findings suggest that dietary interventions can modulate gut health and functionality in chicken.