Impact of yeast-derived nucleotides supplementation in drinking water on production performance and gut health indicators in broiler chickens

This study investigated the effects of yeast-derived nucleotides (YN) supplementation via drinking water on growth performance, intestinal morphology, barrier function, and cecal microbiota in broiler chickens. A total of 480 one-day-old male Ross 308 broilers were randomly assigned to three groups: control (CTR), and two treatment groups receiving YN at 90 g/100 kg (T1) or 180 g/100 kg (T2) in drinking water for 42 days. Growth performance parameters were recorded throughout the trial, and intestinal samples were collected on days 21 and 42 for histomorphological evaluation, gene expression analysis, and microbiota profiling using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. YN supplementation significantly improved body weight on day 21 and average daily gain during the grower phase in the T2 group. Carcass weight was also significantly increased in T2 at day 21. Intestinal morphology analysis revealed improved villus-to-crypt ratio on day 21 in both treatment groups, and gene expression analysis demonstrated upregulation of tight junction-related genes (ZO-1, OCLN, CLDN3) in T2, indicating enhanced intestinal barrier integrity. No differences were observed in mucous layer thickness or MUC2 expression. Microbiota analysis showed a significant increase in alpha diversity indices over time, consistent with normal microbial maturation. While T1 increased Shannon and Simpson indices compared to CTR, no significant changes were observed for T2. Beta diversity was not affected by treatment, although a clear temporal shift in microbial community composition was evident between days 21 and 42. In conclusion, administering yeast-derived nucleotides via drinking water improved early growth performance and intestinal health in broilers, particularly at higher inclusion levels. This mode of administration offers a practical, flexible alternative to feed-based supplementation, allowing targeted use during critical growth periods or under stress conditions. These findings support the functional role of YN as a dietary strategy to promote gut health and performance in poultry production.