Effects of faecal microbiota transplantation supplemented with inulin on early immunity and immune organ histomorphology in chickens

1. Faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is a technique that promotes gut microbiota diversity and abundance by transplantation of faeces into a recipient's gastrointestinal tract via multiple routes.2. Inulin, a plant polysaccharide, is a natural functional dietary fibre found in a variety of plants, including vegetables and fruits. Inulin can inhibit pathogenic bacterial growth by lowering pH, promote mineral absorption and improve intestinal barrier integrity.3. In this study 90 one-day-old chicks were randomly into three groups; control (CON) group was fed a basic diet; FMT group fed two diets containing 40 ml faecal microbial suspension; and INU group fed a diet containing 1.5% inulin and 40 ml faecal microbial suspension.4. Administering the FMT mixed with inulin effectively reduced blood levels of IL-1β, IL-4 and IL-6, promoted the growth of thymus, bursa of Fabricius and spleen. In addition, it enhanced intestinal barrier function, increased intestinal goblet cells and Paneth cells production, promoted probiotic colonisation and butyrate formation and reduced intestinal inflammation.5. In summary, inulin mixed with FMT promoted the growth of the bursa of Fabricius, thymus and spleen as well as facilitated early growth of chick by promoting intestinal health, reducing inflammation and boosting chick immunity.