Targeted gut microbiota interventions to modulate immune responses in chickens

Zenner, Christian (2020): Targeted gut microbiota interventions to modulate immune responses in chickens. Dissertation, LMU München: Faculty of Veterinary Medicine

Abstract

Chicken meat is the main source of alimentary protein for humans worldwide. Within the past 70 years, broilers and layers were bred for high productivity traits, which means high meat and egg production within a short period of time. Animal wellbeing and health has often been neglected. The use of antibiotics as feed additives, so called growth promotors, led to disturbance in the gut microbiome, an underdeveloped immune system and only little resistance against pathogens. Fortunately, these growth promotors are forbidden in the European Union since 2006 but the extended application of antibiotics exacerbated the crisis on antibiotic resistances. Due to the lack of alternatives, antibiotics are still the most common metaphylactic treatment for enteric infections in chickens. Thus, it is of great interest to study the chicken microbiome in detail and work towards new solutions to improve gut health.

• Item Type: Theses (Dissertation, LMU Munich)
• Keywords: Chicken, gut microbiome, anaerobic bacteria, bacterial collection, intervention strategies
• Subjects: 500 Natural sciences and mathematics; 500 Natural sciences and mathematics > 590 Zoological sciences
• Faculties: Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
• Language: English
• Date of oral examination: 25. July 2020
• 1. Referee: Kaspers, Bernd
• Signature of the printed copy: 0001/UMC 28454