Exploring the modulatory effects of brown seaweed meal and extracts on intestinal microbiota and morphology of broiler chickens challenged with heat stress

This study examines how brown seaweed supplementation (Ascophyllum nodosum) can mitigate the negative effects of heat stress on gut health in broiler chickens. Heat stress is known to disrupt intestinal structure and microbial balance, leading to reduced performance and health. The researchers found that both seaweed meal and extract improved the abundance of beneficial gut bacteria, including Faecalibacterium at day 14, and Lactobacillus, Sellimonas, and Fournierella under heat stress at day 28, while also enhancing intestinal morphology, such as villus height and structural integrity. These improvements were particularly evident in heat-stressed birds, where seaweed supplementation helped counteract stress-induced damage. The results suggest that seaweed acts as a prebiotic and functional feed additive, supporting microbial balance, nutrient absorption, and overall gut resilience under challenging environmental conditions. This work highlights the growing potential of seaweed-based solutions to improve poultry performance and welfare, especially as heat stress becomes an increasing concern in global production systems.