Ingestion of Lactobacillus rhamnosus modulates chronic stress-induced feather pecking in chickens

Intestinal dysbiosis and inflammation are common traits of these disorders. FP is, therefore, proposed to be a behavioral consequence of dysregulated communication between the gut and the brain.

Probiotic supplementation represents a promising new therapeutic to mitigate widespread FP. We monitored FP, gut microbiota composition, immune markers and amino acids related to the production of neurochemicals with Lactobacillus rhamnosus supplement (Lacto) or a placebo in laying hens. Data demonstrate that, when stressed, the incidence of FP increased significantly, however, Lacto prevented this increase.