# Effect of Ascites Syndrome on Diversity of Cecal Microbiota of Broiler Chickens

## TL;DR

This study shows that ascites syndrome in chickens changes gut bacteria, reducing diversity and affecting growth.

## Contribution

The study reveals how ascites syndrome alters cecal microbiota composition and diversity in broiler chickens.

## Key findings

- AS significantly increased Bacteroidetes and decreased Actinobacteria in cecal microbiota.
- AS reduced cecal microbial diversity and altered microbial composition at phylum and genus levels.
- Metabolites linked to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon degradation were significantly diminished in AS-affected chickens.

## Abstract

Ascites syndrome (AS) is a metabolic disease that impacts the growth and development of broiler chickens. The intestinal microbiota is closely associated with the growth and development of broiler chickens. However, the effects of AS on the intestinal microbiota of broiler chickens have not yet been reported. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate whether AS affects the intestinal microbiota of broiler chickens. This study showed that AS significantly increased the abundance of Bacteroidetes while reducing the abundance of Actinobacteria. This study provides data for the in-depth study of the relationship between AS and intestinal microbiota.

Ascites syndrome (AS) is a metabolic disease that seriously affects the growth and development of broiler chickens. Intestinal microbiota play a significant role in the growth of broiler chickens. Therefore, further research on the relationship between AS and intestinal microbiota will help to better understand the impact of AS on broiler growth. In this study, 0.2% sodium chloride was added to the drinking water, which induced AS in broiler chickens, and we detected the influence of AS on the growth performance and cecal microbiota of broiler chickens. The results showed that AS significantly reduced the cecal microbial diversity of broiler chickens and affected the cecal microbial composition at the phylum and genus levels (p = 0.05). Further, LEfSe analysis revealed that AS significantly increased the abundance of Bacteroidetes (p = 0.035) while simultaneously reducing the abundance of Actinobacteria (p = 0.031) in the cecum. Additionally, the differential metabolites associated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon degradation were significantly diminished. The findings suggest that AS may further impact the growth rate of broiler chickens by altering cecal microorganisms.