Blautia coccoides CML164 improved lipid and energy metabolism in broiler chickens via gut microbiota pathways

The probiotic potential of Blautia coccoides CML164, a novel acetate-producing strain isolated from the poultry gut, was systematically evaluated for its ability to modulate lipid and energy metabolism in broilers via gut microbiota-mediated pathways. Supplementation with Blautia coccoides CML164 significantly reshaped the cecal microbiome, enriching beneficial short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing bacteria such as Phocaeicola vulgatus , Parabacteroides distasonis , and members of Prevotellaceae , while concurrently increasing cecal acetate concentration in broiler chickens. These microbial changes were accompanied by improved mitochondrial function, enhanced hepatic fatty acid oxidation (upregulation of PPARα , ACOX1 ), and suppression of lipogenic genes ( SREBP1 , PPARγ ), leading to reduced abdominal fat deposition and improved serum lipid profiles without compromising growth performance in broilers. The study demonstrates that Blautia coccoides CML164 functions as an effective probiotic by orchestrating gut microbiota composition and promoting SCFA production, thereby activating host metabolic pathways that mitigate lipid accumulation. Our findings highlight the critical role of microbial intervention in regulating energy homeostasis and offer a promising strategy for leveraging probiotics to enhance metabolic health in poultry production.