Oxidative and Epigenetic Changes and Gut Permeability Response in Early-Treated Chickens with Antibiotic or Probiotic

SIMPLE SUMMARY: ‘Prophylactic’ use of antibiotics is quite common, but is increasingly controversial due to their potentially negative effects on birds. The excessive use of antibiotics may lead to the spread of drug-resistant infections in both birds and humans. The potential threat arising from intensification of the oxidative stress reaction and immune system impairment in birds due to the use of antibiotics is still not sufficiently understood. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of the use of enrofloxacin and a probiotic containing Enterococcus faecium and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strains in the first week of life of chickens on intestinal integrity. Our research indicated that the use of both enrofloxacin similar to a probiotic containing Enterococcus faecium and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strains in chickens’ first week of life improved intestinal integrity and reduced inflammation in the small intestine. ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to compare the effect of the use of enrofloxacin and a probiotic containing Enterococcus faecium and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strains in the first week of life of chickens on oxidative and epigenetic changes in molecules and intestinal integrity. The three treatments were as follows: the control group received no additive in the drinking water (GC); the second group (GP) received a probiotic preparation in the drinking water during the first five days of life, providing E. faecium strain 4a1713 at 1.0 × 10(7) CFU/L water and B. amyloliquefaciens 4b1822 at 1.0 × 10(7) CFU/L water, the third group (GA) received an antibiotic (enrofloxacin 0.5 mL/L water) in the drinking water during the first five days of life. The use of both enrofloxacin and a probiotic containing E. faecium and B. amyloliquefaciens strains in chickens’ first week of life improved intestinal integrity and reduced inflammation and oxidative and epigenetic changes in the small intestine. This effect was evident both at 6 days of age and at the end of the rearing period.