Effect of biological silage from Litopenaeus vannamei heads on the gut microbial composition and health of laying hens

The aim of this study was to analyze the microbial composition associated with the intestinal health of laying hens. Over a 4-week period, 30-week-old hens were fed a basal diet containing 16% protein (T0), compared to another diet supplemented with 18% shrimp head (Litopenaeus vannamei) biological silage (BS), which had a protein content of 16.76% (T3E). Samples for metagenomic analysis were taken from the jejunal content of the birds using the E.Z.N.A.® Soil DNA Kit (Omega Bio-Tek Inc., USA). A significant increase in beneficial bacteria was observed at the class level, including Bacteroidia and Bacilli; at the family level, Bacteroidaceae and Lactobacillaceae; and at the genus level, Bacteroides and Lactobacillus. A decrease in harmful bacteria was noted, particularly in the class Erysipelotrichia, family Helicobacteraceae, and genus Holdemania, many of which play key roles in intestinal health. The use of the diet with BS promoted an increase in beneficial microorganisms and a reduction in harmful ones, suggesting a favorable modification in the bacterial flora composition, linked to improved intestinal health, making BS a potential functional food.