Project

Contact: Oyekunle John Oladosu

Duration: 2025-2028

Funding: German Research Foundation (DFG)

Abstract:

The growing adoption of non-caged poultry production systems, driven by concerns for animal welfare, has increased the risk of gastrointestinal nematode infections in hens. Nematodes, which inhabit the gut following  ingestion of embryonated worm eggs by chickens, can interact with the resident commensal bacteria. This interaction may facilitate the parasite establishment or alter the intestinal environment and gut microbial diversity, with functional implications for the metabolism and immunity of chickens. The mechanisms underpinning the interactions between pathogenic nematodes and commensal microbiota remain elusive and are poorly understood, particularly in poultry species.

Ascaridia galli is one of the most prevalent nematodes in chickens, with prevalence reaching up to 88% in laying hens kept on organic farms in Germany. This parasite notably reduces the growth rate and productivity of high-performing chicken genotypes by impairing feed intake and efficiency. Given the critical role of poultry as a major source of animal protein and the fastest-growing agricultural sub-sector—where demand for eggs is expected to rise by 65% by 2050—it is imperative to address emerging challenges associated with welfare-friendly production systems.

Emerging evidence underscores the importance of gut microbiota for chicken health, suggesting that external factors influencing its functional diversity may significantly impact hen health and productivity. Dietary prebiotics (e.g. inulin), which stimulate gut fermentation and promote the production of short-chain fatty acids and essential nutrients, have been shown to improve chicken health and welfare. However, the effects of prebiotic supplementation during nematode infections remain poorly understood. Preliminary evidence suggests that prebiotics may favourably influence parasite establishment by modifying the intestinal environment and impair immune-mediated mechanisms leading to worm expulsion.

The HenBiota project aims to leverage advancements in omics technologies to elucidate the dynamic interactions between A. galli and host gut microbiota. It will further explore the effects of dietary inulin supplementation on the host gut health, performance, and the mechanisms underlying worm expulsion, alongside the interactions between host and A. galli’s own microbiota. The findings will provide valuable insights into the development of sustainable strategies to mitigate the impact of helminth infections and enhance chicken gut health within welfare-friendly farming systems.