Segment-specific remodeling of ileal and cecal microbiota in broilers after in ovo administration of galactooligosaccharides and sodium butyrate
Our study investigates whether early-life in ovo administration of bioactive compounds can induce persistent alterations in the intestinal microbiota of broiler chickens. Specifically, we evaluated the long-term effects of embryonic exposure to a prebiotic (galactooligosaccharides, GOS) and a postbiotic (sodium butyrate, SB) on microbial community structure in two key intestinal compartments, the ileum and the cecum. We hypothesized that a single embryonic intervention may program gut microbiota development, leading to durable, segment-specific changes in microbial diversity and taxonomic composition detectable at market age. Understanding these effects may provide new insights into microbiota programming strategies aimed at improving intestinal ecosystem stability and gut health in poultry production systems.