Fecal microbiota landscape of commercial poultry farms in Faisalabad, Pakistan: A 16S rRNA gene-based metagenomics study

This study explores the microbiota of broiler and layer farms, aiming to understand how genetic breed, age, and farm type influence microbial communities in commercial settings. Fecal samples from 18 poultry farms (twelve layers and six broilers) in Faisalabad, Pakistan were analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing of the V3-V4 region to evaluate bacterial composition. The dominant phylum, Firmicutes, accounted for 58.72 % of the microbial population, with Lactobacillus being the most abundant genus in both broilers and layers. The total abundance of potentially pathogenic genera was also assessed with Enterococcus and Corynebacterium being the most prevalent across all farms, regardless of bird type. Layers exhibited greater microbial richness and diversity than broilers, while the Karachi cage system (KCS) farm type showed higher richness than Floor system (FS). Although the breed significantly influenced microbial diversity, age was not a determining factor. Co-occurrence analyses revealed close interactions among phyla (Actinobacteriota, Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Fusobacteriota, and Bacteroidota) and genera (Lactobacillus, Brevibacterium, Enterococcus), suggesting their pivotal roles within the microbial community. Additionally, functional analysis detected important metabolic pathways and traced microbial signatures of key pathogenic bacteria, enhancing our understanding of microbial contributions to poultry health. Despite limitations such as the need for broader geographic sampling and accounting for diet and medication, this study advances microbiome research in Pakistan's poultry sector, emphasizing consistent taxa and opening avenues for future investigations into microbiome manipulations for improved food safety and achieve better sustainable practices.