16S rRNA amplicon sequencing of cecal microbiota from broiler chickens fed varying dietary energy levels

This study investigated the effects of dietary energy levels on the cecal microbiota composition in broiler chickens using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Broilers were fed either low-energy (LED, 2,900 kcal/kg), medium-energy (MED, 3,200 kcal/kg), or high-energy diets (HED, 3,500 kcal/kg) for 21 days. Cecal content samples were collected at the end of the feeding trial to assess microbial community structure and diversity. The sequencing data aim to elucidate the relationship between dietary energy, gut microbiota, and host physiological responses, including appetite regulation and intestinal health. This dataset supports findings that MED promotes microbial balance, while HED may compromise intestinal integrity and induce inflammation. The data are part of a broader study exploring the brain-gut axis in response to dietary energy modulation in broilers.