Influence of Rhodotorula mucilaginosa yeast on the microbiocenosis and productive qualities of broiler chickens

Relevance. Yeast and its derivatives have a comprehensive positive effect on poultry, but the effect of the carotene-synthesizing yeast Rhodotorula mucilaginosa on the microbiome and performance of broiler chickens has been poorly studied. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a microbial supplement based on the carotene-synthesizing yeast R. mucilaginosa before and after freezing on the microbiome and performance of broilers.

Methods. The study was conducted on broiler chickens of the Smena 9 cross (n = 78). Three groups of 26 birds each were formed using the analog group principle. Battery cage technology was used for rearing. Birds in the control group received the basic diet; those in the first experimental group additionally received native yeast R. mucilaginosa (3 g/bird/day, assuming that the carotenoid content was 312 μg/g biomass); and those in the second experimental group received yeast after freezing and thawing at the same dose. Zootechnical parameters and the microbial composition of the rectum and cecum contents were studied using real-time PCR at 25 and 45 days.

Results. The introduction of R. mucilaginosa, especially after freezing, increased live weight by 4.52%, average daily gain by 9.9%, leg weight by 11.91% (p ≤ 0.001), and breast weight by 2.72% (p ≤ 0.05). A significant increase in the number of Bacteroides spp., Prevotella spp., and Bifidobacterium spp. in the intestines was observed, as well as the complete elimination of E. coli from the cecum of the experimental groups. These data confirm the potential of using R. mucilaginosa in broiler feeding, but require further study.

1. Kolodina E.N. The Influence of a Feed Additive on the Gastrointestinal Microbiocoenosis and Productivity in Quails. Ptitsevodstvo. 2018; (5): 26–30 (in Russian). EDN UQXCLV

2. Hamitova V.Z., Osmanyan A.K., Malorodov V.V. Efficiency of broiler growing depending on the phase feeding schemes and the use of a super-starter diet. Izvestiya of Timiryazev Agricultural Academy. 2021; (4): 79–93 (in Russian). https://doi.org/10.26897/0021-342X-2021-4-79-93

3. Awad W.A. et al. Age-Related Differences in the Luminal and Mucosa-Associated Gut Microbiome of Broiler Chickens and Shifts Associated with Campylobacter jejuni Infection. Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology. 2016; 6: 154. https://doi.org/10.3389/fcimb.2016.00154

4. Talebi A., Amirzadeh B., Mokhtari B., Gahri H. Effects of a multistrain probiotic (PrimaLac) on performance and antibody responses to Newcastle disease virus and infectious bursal disease virus vaccination in broiler chickens. Avian Pathology. 2008; 37(5): 509–512. https://doi.org/10.1080/03079450802356995

5. Salianeh N., Shirzad M.R., Seifi S. Performance and antibody response of broiler chickens fed diets containing probiotic and prebiotic. Journal of Applied Animal Research. 2011; 39(1): 65–67. https://doi.org/10.1080/09712119.2011.565222

6. Lin J. et al. Effects of Saccharomyces cerevisiae hydrolysate on growth performance, immunity function, and intestinal health in broilers. Poultry Science. 2023; 102(1): 102237. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psj.2022.102237

7. Kim E. et al. Supplementation of live yeast culture modulates intestinal health, immune responses, and microbiota diversity in broiler chickens. Journal of Animal Science. 2022; 100(5): skac122. https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skac122

8. Zhang Q., Liao L., Lyu S. Rhodotorula mucilaginosa A8, a potential helper strain in a vitamin C microbial fermentation process. Journal of Basic Microbiology. 2024; 64(7): e2400132. https://doi.org/10.1002/jobm.202400132

9. Itani K. et al. Effect of Cyberlindnera jadinii yeast on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and gut health of broiler chickens from 1 to 34 d of age. Poultry Science. 2023; 102(12): 103127. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psj.2023.103127

10. Khurshid N., Naveed S., Raziq F., Khan M.T., Ullah A. Assessing the effect of a yeast product (Pichia guilliermondii) on growth performance, carcass traits, gut morphology, intestinal microbial computation, and immune response in broilers. Tropical Animal Health and Production. 2025; 57(8): 409. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11250-025-04629-8

11. Shahna F., Revathi S., Mamduh S., Ramesh S. Yeasts and yeast-based products in poultry nutrition. Journal of Applied Poultry Research. 2023; 32(2): 100345. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.japr.2023.100345

12. Adli D.N., Sholikin M.M., Sitaresmi P.I., Ani Nurgiartiningsih V.M., Crooijmans R.P.M.A. Dose-Dependent Effects of Probiotics on the Reproductive Performance, Egg Characteristics, and Seminal Traits of Broiler Breeders: A Model-Based Meta-Analysis. Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition. 2025; 109(5): 1101–1119. https://doi.org/10.1111/jpn.14123

13. Grigore D.-M., Mironeasa S., Ciurescu G., Ungureanu-Iuga M., Batariuc A., Babeanu N.E. Carcass Yield and Meat Quality of Broiler Chicks Supplemented with Yeasts Bioproducts. Applied Sciences. 2023; 13(3): 1607. https://doi.org/10.3390/app13031607

14. Fisinin V.I. State and future challenges in the development of world and Russian pou y farming. Innovative support for egg and meat poultry farming in Russia. Proceedings of the XVIII International conference. Sergiev Posad: All-Russian Research and Technological Poultry Institute. 2015; 9–25 (in Russian). EDN TZAYBF

15. Li Z., Li C., Cheng P., Yu G. Rhodotorula mucilaginosa—alternative sources of natural carotenoids, lipids, and enzymes for industrial use. Heliyon. 2022; 8(11): e11505. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e11505

16. Lee J.J. et al. Dietary Yeast Cell Wall Improves Growth Performance and Prevents of Diarrhea of Weaned Pigs by Enhancing Gut Health and Anti-Inflammatory Immune Responses. Animals. 2021; 11(8): 2269. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11082269

17. Sun J., Li M., Tang Z., Zhang X., Chen J., Sun Z. Effects of Rhodotorula mucilaginosa fermentation product on the laying performance, egg quality, jejunal mucosal morphology and intestinal microbiota of hens. Journal of Applied Microbiology. 2020; 128(1): 54–64. https://doi.org/10.1111/jam.14467

18. Su X. et al. Single or Combined Supplementation of Rhodotorula Yeast Culture and Bacillus subtilis Enhances Intestinal Barrier Function in Yellow-Feathered Broilers. Veterinary Sciences. 2025; 12(6): 558. https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci12060558

19. Nikanova D.A. et al. Saprophytic yeast Rhodotorula mucilaginosa: molecular identification, morphobiochemical properties and carotenoid production. Agricultural Biology. 2025; 60(6): 1126–1141. https://doi.org/10.15389/agrobiology.2025.6.1126eng

20. Miao Q. et al. Deposition and bioconversion law of β-carotene in laying hens after long-term supplementation under adequate vitamin A status in the diet. Poult Sci. 2023; 102(11): 103046. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psj.2023.103046

21. Lopes N.A., Remedi R.D., Dos Santos Sá C., Burkert C.A.V., de Medeiros Burkert J.F. Different cell disruption methods for obtaining carotenoids by Sporodiobolus pararoseus and Rhodothorula mucilaginosa. Food Sci Biotechnol. 2017; 26(3): 759-766. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10068-017-0098-y

22. Kolodina E.N., Nikanova D.A., Dovydenkova M.V., Artemieva O.A., Berezova K.A., Solina A.Y. Study of the acute toxicity of the Rhodotorula mucilaginosa strain, a producer of carotenoids. Veterinaria i kormlenie. 2025; (6): 51–56 (in Russian). https://doi.org/10.30917/ATT-VK-1814-9588-2025-6-12

23. Yeeh Y. Rhodotorula. Robinson R.K. Encyclopedia of Food Microbiology. Academic Press. 1999; 1900–1905. https://doi.org/10.1006/rwfm.1999.1340

24. Clavijo V., Vives Flórez M.J. The gastrointestinal microbiome and its association with the control of pathogens in broiler chicken production: A review. Poultry Science. 2018; 97(3): 1006–1021. https://doi.org/10.3382/ps/pex359

25. Kyoung H. et al. Dietary yeast cell wall enhanced intestinal health of broiler chickens by modulating intestinal integrity, immune responses, and microbiota. Poultry Science. 2023; 102(6): 102660. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psj.2023.102660

26. Roto S.M., Rubinelli P.M., Ricke S.C. An Introduction to the Avian Gut Microbiota and the Effects of Yeast-Based Prebiotic-Type Compounds as Potential Feed Additives. Frontiers in Veterinary Science. 2015; 2: 28. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2015.00028