Polyethylene microplastics impair chicken growth through gut microbiota-induced hepatic fatty acid metabolism dysfunction

Microplastics (MPs) have adverse impacts on various terrestrial animals, but comprehensive research on Gallus gallus domesticus, the most common economic animal connecting people and the environment, is scarce. The aim of this study was to investigate the adverse reactions of chickens after exposure to MPs via multiomics and 16S rRNA sequencing. MPs, particularly those containing phthalate esters (PAEs), significantly reduced chicken body weight gain and liver triglyceride (TG) levels by up to 71.2% and 50.1%, respectively (p < 0.05). Hepatic fatty acid metabolism, which is associated with sensitive microbiotas, was also considerably affected. Additionally, PAEs-spiked MPs triggered immune and inflammatory responses in the liver, whereas clean MPs did not, suggesting that coexposure to plastic additives along with MPs can exacerbate harmful effects. Overall, this study offers new insights into the management and regulation of MPs and plasticizers in animal feed.