Comparison of intestinal permeability, morphology, and ileal microbial communities of commercial hens housed in conventional cages and cage-free housing systems

The gastrointestinal health of poultry can be impacted by a variety factors including their environment. As egg production moves from conventional cage housing (CC) toward cage-free (CF), it is important to understand this impact on intestinal health. This study was conducted determine if type permeability, morphology, and microbial communities in commercial hens across systems. Hens were randomly selected 2 rooms CC (n = 25) CF at facility. Birds given fluorescein isothiocyanate dextran (FITC-D) oral gavage measure permeability. Jejunal ileal samples collected evaluate villus height, crypt depth, ratio. Ileal contents for bacterial DNA isolation 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Serum FITC-D similar between (P 0.709). housed the had increased jejunal height depth compared with < 0.002). tended have greater ratio both jejunum ileum 0.064; P 0.091, respectively). Microbial community diversity measurements favored as species richness 0.059), alpha 0.044), an number over represented operational taxonomic units (46/64), Romboutsia sp. (30.80%), Lactobacillus kitasatonis (17.16%), aviarius (11.15%). Correlations traits identified significant association greatest correlations morphology. Many these associated expected traits; thus, providing limited functional data information. morphology suggesting local contribute environment distant. In study, several parameters advantage system However, lower observed not levels indicate detrimental effects.