Host intestinal biomarker identification in a gut leakage model in broilers

The production and consumption of broiler meat is rising rapidly worldwide [1, 2]. Of all terrestrial meat-producing animals, broilers probably have the highest relative daily weight gain and the lowest feed conversion. Therefore, broiler meat is considered to be a relatively sustainable source of animal protein [3]. Unfortunately, disturbances of intestinal tract function are common in broilers, which can hamper their feed conversion due to inefficient digestion and absorption of nutrients [4]. These disturbances are associated with necrotic enteritis, coccidiosis [5, 6] and a range of ill-defined enteric syndromes of unclear etiology, sometimes classified under the common denominator of “dysbiosis”. They constitute the major challenge to the broiler production today.