Study of protein source and selected amino acids for gut integrity of chickens

Summary

Over a series of studies, this project aims to specifically investigate the source of protein and key amino acids including glycine, serine and threonine and branched chain amino acids. These amino acids are investigated in the concept of reduced crude protein diets, as the industry is moving towards offering diets with lower levels of protein, with the aim of improving performance and welfare. The main aim of the project is to investigate if they can improve the intestinal barrier function. It also aims to specifically reduce the permeability and associated gut inflammation through dietary manipulation of individual amino acids. It will aim to tailor diets that specially improve barrier function by increasing barrier forming tight junction expression.

Program

Chicken Meat

Research Organisation

The University of Adelaide

Objective Summary

This research targets the aim of Objective 1 of AgriFutures RD&E objectives; to increase the productivity and efficiency of chicken meat production. This project follows on from a previously completed project (PRJ010220). The proposed project also complements the recent investments of the Australian chicken meat industry on the strategically important research topics of intestinal health and feeding reduced crude protein diets with synthetic amino acid supplementation. The expected outcome of this project is to provide rigorous scientific evidence to inform decision making on dietary interventions and formulations; enhancing poultry health, performance and sustainable production, particularly in an antibioticfree feeding program. Major objectives: Investigate the difference between a vegetablebased and animal proteinbased diets to which a reduced crude protein diet is compared Investigate extra reduction in dietary protein to provide a distinct response to tested amino acids and a better mechanistic understanding of intestinal function in birds fed a reduced protein diet Determine the impact of glycine, serine and threonine on intestinal barrier function in birds fed a reduced protein diet Investigate the possible antiinflammatory role of glycine in birds fed reduced protein diet Determine the effects of leucine, isoleucine, and valine on enterocyte permeability, intestinal inflammation and nutrient transporters