Modulation of Intestinal Histology by Probiotics, Prebiotics and Synbiotics Delivered In Ovo in Distinct Chicken Genotypes

Simple Summary Probiotics, prebiotics and synbiotics are biologically active substances that are commonly used in poultry feeding as an alternative to antibiotic growth promoters. It was found that they could improve the intestinal microstructure as well as the health status and productivity of animals. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of probiotics, prebiotics and synbiotics administrated in ovo on the 12th day of embryonic development on selected morphological parameters of the small intestine in broiler and native chickens. After hatching, the chicks were placed in pens and housed for 42 days. On the last day of the experiment, all birds were individually weighed and slaughtered, and samples for histological analysis were taken from the duodenum, jejunum and ileum. The following parameters were determined: the height, width and surface area of the villi, the thickness of the muscular layer and the depth of the crypts, as well as the ratio of the villi height to the crypt depth. Based on the obtained data, it can be concluded that the substances used have an impact on the production parameters and intestinal morphology in various utility types of poultry. In addition, the obtained results indicate that chickens with different genotypes react differently to a given substance; therefore, the substances should be chosen in relation to the genotype. Abstract The aim of the study was to determine the effect of probiotics, prebiotics and synbiotics administered in ovo on selected morphological parameters of the small intestine (duodenum, jejunum, ileum) in broiler chickens (Ross 308) and native chickens (Green-legged Partridge, GP). On the 12th day of embryonic development (the incubation period), an aqueous solution of a suitable bioactive substance was supplied in ovo to the egg’s air cell: probiotic—Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris (PRO), prebiotic—GOS, galacto-oligosaccharides (PRE) or symbiotic—GOS + Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris (SYN). Sterile saline was injected into control (CON) eggs. After hatching, the chicks were placed in pens (8 birds/pen, 4 replicates/group) and housed for 42 days. On the last day of the experiment, all birds were individually weighed and slaughtered. Samples for histological analysis were taken directly after slaughter from three sections of the small intestine. In samples from the duodenum, jejunum and ileum, the height and width of the intestinal villi (VH) were measured and their area (VA) was calculated, the depth of the intestinal crypts (CD) was determined, the thickness of the muscularis was measured and the ratio of the villus height to the crypt depth (V/C) was calculated. On the basis of the obtained data, it can be concluded that the applied substances administered in ovo affect the production parameters and intestinal morphology in broiler chickens and GP. The experiment showed a beneficial effect of in ovo stimulation with a prebiotic on the final body weight of Ross 308 compared to CON, while the effect of the administered substances on the intestinal microstructure is not unequivocal. In GP, the best effect in terms of villi height and V/C ratio was found in the in ovo synbiotic group. Taking into account the obtained results, it can be concluded that chickens of different genotypes react differently to a given substance; therefore, the substances should be adapted to the genotype.