Cecal Microbiota in Genetically Distinct Chicken Lines Reared Under Normal or High Ambient Temperatures

Heat stress has negative effects on poultry productivity, health and welfare resulting in economic losses. Broiler chickens are particularly susceptible to heat stress due to their high metabolic rate, rapid growth, and lack of sweat glands. The commensal intestinal bacterial populations have important physiological role in the host and could ameliorate the negative effect of heat stress on the host. Thus, the aim of this study was to compare changes in the cecal microbiota in four different broiler lines (Giant Jungle Fowl, Athens Canadian Random Bred, 1995 Random Bred, and Modern Random Bred), during heat stress.