Breed-specific patterns of early myogenesis, nitric oxide metabolism, and post-hatch growth in relation to genetic diversity and divergent selection in chickens [Породоспецифичные модели раннего миогенеза, метаболизма оксида азота и постнатального роста в связи с генетическим разнообразием и разнонаправленной селекцией у кур]

Aims: There is currently a significant genetic diversity across poultry breeds as a result of long-term domestication, breeding, and divergent selection, with each breed having its own distinctive phenotypic and genetic characteristics [1,2]. We presumed and set out to investigate whether differences between chicken breeds divergently selected for economically and culturally significant traits [3] manifest as early as possible in development and growth stages. Methods: Breed-specific patterns and relationships of embryo myogenesis, nitric oxide (NO) metabolism, and post-hatch growth rate were studied and analyzed [4]. Results: Our research revealed that myogenesis genes were coordinatedly expressed in the thigh and breast muscles, demonstrating breed uniqueness. Indicators of NO oxidation and post-hatch growth were largely consistent with utility breed types, with meat breeds showing higher NO oxidation levels and better growth rate values in comparison to egg, dual purpose, game, and fancy breeds. Conclusions: The findings of this study indicate that breed-specific variations in early myogenesis, NO metabolism, and post-hatch growth adequately represent genetic variety and reliably depict the evolutionary history of diversely chosen chicken breeds

From feed regulation to regulated feeding: intestinal microbiome and performance optimization in broiler chickens in response to antibiotic and probiotic treatment [От регулирования кормов к регулируемому кормлению: оптимизация микробиома кишечника и продуктивности цыплят-бройлеров в ответ на применение антибиотика и пробиотика]

Aims: The nutrition and immune system of poultry are significantly influenced by gut bacteria. The physiological status, metabolism, and innate immunity of poultry are all impacted by changes in the gut microbiota [1,2]. The current study aimed to define age-related changes in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) microbiota, with the addition of the in-feed antibiotic Stafac® 110 and a probiotic based on the Bacillus subtilis strain to the diet of broiler chickens. Methods: Using a molecular genetic technique called the Terminal-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (T-RFLP) analysis [3,4], a thorough investigation of the taxonomic structure of the microbial community in the GIT of broiler chickens was conducted in this regard, while considering age dynamics and feeding treatment. The latter involved administering the in-feed antibiotic Stafac® 110 as well as a probiotic based on the Bacillus subtilis strain 1-85. Results: The findings provided insight into how the GIT microflora of broiler chickens develops during the developing stage and how it alters in response to antibiotic and probiotic treatment. Using the antibiotic and probiotic in compound feeds had a positive impact on the microbiological makeup and body weight of broilers. Due to the addition of the antibiotic and probiotic to the feed, different bacterial communities were found in the duodenum and cecum of broiler chickens, and their beneficial effects on broiler growth were demonstrated. Conclusions: We propose that the use of the tested in-feed antibiotic and probiotic can be advantageous in regulating microbial activities in the GIT and improving broiler chicken productivity and feeding effectiveness. These feed additives can form the basis of a useful procedure for controlling the intestinal microbiota and enhancing broiler performance

The Helicobacter pylori Genome Project : insights into H. pylori population structure from analysis of a worldwide collection of complete genomes

Helicobacter pylori, a dominant member of the gastric microbiota, shares co-evolutionary history with humans. This has led to the development of genetically distinct H. pylori subpopulations associated with the geographic origin of the host and with differential gastric disease risk. Here, we provide insights into H. pylori population structure as a part of the Helicobacter pylori Genome Project (HpGP), a multi-disciplinary initiative aimed at elucidating H. pylori pathogenesis and identifying new therapeutic targets. We collected 1011 well-characterized clinical strains from 50 countries and generated high-quality genome sequences. We analysed core genome diversity and population structure of the HpGP dataset and 255 worldwide reference genomes to outline the ancestral contribution to Eurasian, African, and American populations. We found evidence of substantial contribution of population hpNorthAsia and subpopulation hspUral in Northern European H. pylori. The genomes of H. pylori isolated from northern and southern Indigenous Americans differed in that bacteria isolated in northern Indigenous communities were more similar to North Asian H. pylori while the southern had higher relatedness to hpEastAsia. Notably, we also found a highly clonal yet geographically dispersed North American subpopulation, which is negative for the cag pathogenicity island, and present in 7% of sequenced US genomes. We expect the HpGP dataset and the corresponding strains to become a major asset for H. pylori genomics