Researchers at the University of Hohenheim have identified a previously unknown bacterium named Ligilactobacillus hohenheimensis sp. nov. in the intestines of chickens. This discovery, made by doctoral student Bibiana Rios Galicia, follows three years of extensive research.
Alongside this new species, Rios Galicia identified seven additional bacterial species and described a new genus, Faecalispora. These microorganisms are part of a complex bacterial ecosystem in the digestive tract of livestock, significantly influencing the health, behavior, and welfare of the animals.
Professor Jana Seifert, who supervised Rios Galicia, explained, "The eight newly isolated bacterial species assist chickens in extracting energy from their feed." Professor Amélia Camarinha Silva added that the genetic material of Faecalispora bacteria indicates their role in metabolizing proteins and carbohydrates to produce important short-chain fatty acids.
Specifically, Ligilactobacillus hohenheimensis is noted for producing proteins that may be crucial for the immune system and hormonal balance in chickens. Its diet consists mainly of lactate and malate, suggesting a high specialization for the intestinal environment of chickens.
The findings highlight the intricate relationship between livestock and their microbiomes. Researchers at Hohenheim are investigating how this relationship affects animal health and welfare, with potential implications for reducing methane emissions and improving feed efficiency.
A new research center, the Hohenheim Center for Livestock Microbiome Research (HoLMiR), is set to open in 2025, providing advanced facilities for studying these interactions.