Functional differences in the microbiome of broiler chicken cecales resulting from glyphosate and antibiotics

Keywords: glyphosate, antibiotics, broilers, NGS sequencing, whole genome sequencing

Abstract

Background. Until recently, the herbicide glyphosate was considered safe for humans and animals, but recently a large number of researchers are inclined to believe that it can lead to various disorders. This is primarily due to its widespread use and ability to carcinogenesis.

Purpose. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the combined action of glyphosate and two types of antibiotics on functional changes in the microbiome of the cecal processes of broiler chickens using the whole-genome sequencing method.

Materials and methods. To conduct studies related to the establishment of the taxonomic composition of the metagenome of the contents of the cecal processes of broiler chickens, whole-genome NGS sequencing of samples from 4 groups of animals obtained during the experiment was carried out. Based on the data obtained, bioinformatics analysis was carried out.

Results. As a result of this study, it was shown that glyphosate is highly likely to have a stronger effect on the microbiome than antibiotics. But the latter can significantly enhance the negative effect of the herbicide, which is expressed in more significant functional changes associated with the digestibility of complex carbohydrates and energy metabolism, as well as with increased development of pathogenic microflora due to imbalance of the microbiota in the cecal processes of broiler chickens.

Conclusion. Increasing our knowledge of the chicken gastrointestinal microbiome using culture-independent metagenomic analysis will help us understand the microbial community dynamics under the influence of xenobiotics such as glyphosate-based herbicides and antibiotics, and their role in poultry metabolism and health. Studies of the gastrointestinal microbiota are needed to identify the harmful effects of these xenobiotics in order to develop methods to reduce toxic load and maintain high productivity.

EDN: MJOJDQ

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Author Biographies

Georgy Yu. Laptev, Saint Petersburg State Agrarian University; BIOTROF+ LLC

Doctor of Biological Sciences, General Director

Darya G. Turina, BIOTROF+ LLC

PhD in Economics, Chief Biotechnologist of the Molecular Genetic Laboratory

Vitaly Yu. Morozov, Saint Petersburg State Agrarian University

Doctor of Veterinary Sciences, Rector

Valentina A. Filippova, Saint Petersburg State Agrarian University; BIOTROF+ LLC

Head of the Laboratory of the Large Livestock Breeding Department

Elena A. Yildirim, Saint Petersburg State Agrarian University; BIOTROF+ LLC

Doctor of Biological Sciences, Professor of the Department of Large Livestock Farming

Larisa A. Ilina, Saint Petersburg State Agrarian University; BIOTROF+ LLC

Doctor of Biological Sciences, Professor of the Department of Large Livestock Breeding

Elena P. Gorfunkel, BIOTROF+ LLC

Quality Controller

Ekaterina S. Ponomareva, BIOTROF+ LLC

Biotechnologist of the Molecular Genetic Laboratory

Ksenia A. Sokolova, Saint Petersburg State Agrarian University; BIOTROF+ LLC

Postgraduate Student of the Faculty of Zooengineering and Biotechnology

Vasily A. Zaikin, BIOTROF+ LLC

Biotechnologist of the Molecular Genetic Laboratory

Irina A. Klyuchnikova, BIOTROF+ LLC

Master's Student of the Faculty of Zooengineering and Biotechnology

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Published
2025-12-30
How to Cite
Laptev, G., Turina, D., Morozov, V., Filippova, V., Yildirim, E., Ilina, L., Gorfunkel, E., Ponomareva, E., Sokolova, K., Zaikin, V., & Klyuchnikova, I. (2025). Functional differences in the microbiome of broiler chicken cecales resulting from glyphosate and antibiotics. Siberian Journal of Life Sciences and Agriculture, 17(6-1). https://doi.org/10.12731/2658-6649-2025-17-6-1-1359
Section
Ecology, Soil Science and Nature Management