Effects of Embryonic Thermal Manipulation on Body Performance and Cecum Microbiome in Broiler Chickens Following a Post-Hatch Lipopolysaccharide Challenge

This study investigates how embryonic thermal manipulation (TM) influences growth performance and the cecal microbiome composition in broiler chickens subjected to a post-hatch lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge. Broiler embryos were exposed to controlled temperature variations during incubation, followed by an LPS challenge after hatching to simulate immune stress. Performance metrics were recorded. Cecum samples were collected for 16S rRNA gene sequencing to characterize microbial community shifts in response to TM and LPS-induced inflammation.