Association between naturally acquired gastrointestinal nematode infection and skeletal muscle biochemical composition in chickens (Gallus gallus)

Abstract

Background & Aims: In poultry, gastrointestinal nematodes are common, especially in small and traditional production systems where the birds are more exposed to contaminated environments. They have been associated with reduced growth performance and productivity. However, the biochemical impact of these infections on skeletal muscle is not well known. As such, the present study evaluated the association between naturally occurring gastrointestinal infections of nematodes and changes in skeletal muscle biochemical composition in chickens (Gallus gallus). Methods: Between March and May 2025, twenty-five chickens intended for human consumption were examined in the Zulfi region in Saudi Arabia. A detailed examination of the gastrointestinal tract of each bird was performed to detect helminth infection. Nematode parasites were found naturally in six birds. These nematodes were morphologically described as Ascaridia species using light microscopy. Biochemical comparison was done using skeletal muscle samples that were collected from infected chickens (n=6) and uninfected chickens (n=6). Standard colorimetric assays were used to identify the levels of lipids, carbohydrates, and proteins, and the results were subjected to suitable statistical analysis. Results: Compared to controls, the muscle lipid and carbohydrate levels in infected chickens were much lower (P < 0.05). The content of proteins in the infected birds was also lower, but the difference was not statistically significant. Conclusions: The findings suggest that the biochemical composition of skeletal muscle can change significantly in the presence of naturally acquired gastrointestinal nematode infections. In the field setting, these changes could affect the nutritional content of chicken meat. However, these findings require more comprehensive controlled studies to clarify the underlying mechanisms.