Supplemental Xylooligosaccharide Attenuates Growth Retardation and Intestinal Damage in Broiler Chickens Challenged by Avian Pathogenic <i>Escherichia coli</i>

Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate the protective effects of xylooligosaccharide (XOS) on the growth performance and intestinal health of broilers challenged by avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC). A total of 144 newly hatched male Lingnan yellow-feathered broilers were randomly divided into three groups (six replicates/group): a control (CON) group, an APEC group and an XOS group (APEC-challenged broilers supplemented with 1600 mg/kg XOS). Birds in the APEC and XOS groups were orally challenged with APEC from 7 to 12 d of age. Growth performance and intestinal health-related parameters were determined on d 13 and 17. The reductions (p p p p occludin and zonula occluden-1 expression, on d 17, and diminished the change (p p p p E. coli virulence genes relA and ompR on d 13 along with the expression of fimH and csgA on d 17. XOS alleviated APEC-induced growth retardation and intestinal disruption in broilers partially by restraining the intestinal colonization of APEC. Furthermore, the improvements in cecal microbiota and fermentation pattern, along with attenuation of cecal E. coli virulence resulting from XOS supplementation, could also support the maintenance of intestinal health in APEC-challenged broilers.

Keywords

• avian pathogenic <i>Escherichia coli</i>
• broiler
• growth performance
• intestinal health
• xylooligosaccharide