Effects of Bacillus velezensis MZ-09 on cecal microbiota of broilers

The poultry industry faces mounting pressure to reduce antibiotic use while maintaining productivity and animal welfare. Probiotics like Bacillus strains offer a sustainable alternative by enhancing gut health and inhibiting pathogens. B. velezensis MZ-09, a promising probiotic candidate, has demonstrated antimicrobial and immunomodulatory properties in vitro, but its in vivo effects on broiler cecal microbiota a critical hub for nutrient metabolism and disease resistance remain unexplored.The cecum plays a pivotal role in fermenting undigested feed, producing essential metabolites (e.g., butyrate), and shaping systemic immunity. Modulating its microbiota can directly influence broiler growth efficiency and disease resilience. This study bridges a key knowledge gap by elucidating how B. velezensis MZ-09 reprograms the cecal microbiome, potentially unlocking strategies to optimize gut health without antibiotics. Findings will provide actionable insights for developing targeted probiotic formulations, advancing sustainable poultry production, and mitigating zoonotic pathogen risks. By linking microbial dynamics to host outcomes, this work also contributes to the broader understanding of probiotic mechanisms in livestock microbiomes.