A microbial consortium constructed with gut microbes of Chinese native chicken breeds protects chicks against Salmonella infection

BACKGROUND: The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in protecting chickens against colonization by enteric pathogens, such as Salmonella. Native chickens, including Wenchang chicken and Danzhou chicken, harbor a highly diverse gut microbiota, which may contain anti-pathogenic strains. This study aimed to construct a microbial consortium from these native chicken breeds and evaluate its efficacy in protecting chicks from Salmonella infection. RESULTS: A collection of 273 bacterial strains, representing 61 species, was isolated from the cecal digesta of Wenchang chicken and Danzhou chicken. From this collection, 29 strains were identified as exhibiting in vitro inhibitory activity against the indicator pathogens. Genomic analysis of the constituent strains in consortium BL6 revealed the genetic potential for producing antimicrobial peptides and secondary metabolites, suggesting a mechanistic basis for the inhibition. In a chick model challenged with S. Typhimurium, BL6 mitigated intestinal damage by promoting crypt restoration, enhanced barrier function, and enriched Lactobacillus, collectively contributing to improved intestinal health. CONCLUSIONS: These findings underscore the potential of a microbial consortium derived from the gut microbes of native chickens in combating Salmonella infection. This research offers valuable insights for developing innovative strategies to prevent and treat pathogen infections in broilers.