Dietary Pediococcus acidilactici improves the intestinal functions by regulating the expression of intestinal inflammatory genes and intestinal microbiota in aged laying hens at 80 - 91 weeks of age

Pediococcus acidilactici CNCM I-4622 (PA) is a homofermentative Gram-positive coccus that produces lactic acid as a major metabolic by-product. However, the potential of PA to improve intestinal function and, as a result, improve production performance and quality in aged laying hens remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of PA on egg production, egg quality, intestinal health, and cecal microbiota in aged laying hens.