Effects of Intra-Amniotic Administration of the Hydrolyzed Protein of Chia ( L.) and on Intestinal Functionality, Morphology, and Bacterial Populations, In Vivo ()

As a protein source, chia contains high concentrations of bioactive peptides. Probiotics support a healthy digestive tract and immune system. Our study evaluated the effects of the intra-amniotic administration of the hydrolyzed chia protein and the probiotic on intestinal bacterial populations, the intestinal barrier, the inflammatory response, and brush border membrane functionality (). Fertile broiler () eggs ( = 9/group) were divided into 5 groups: (NI) non-injected; (HO) 18 MΩ HO; (CP) 10 mg/mL hydrolyzed chia protein; (CPP) 10 mg/mL hydrolyzed chia protein + 10 colony-forming unit (CFU) ; (P) 10 CFU The intra-amniotic administration was performed on day 17 of incubation. At hatching (day 21), the animals were euthanized, and the duodenum and cecum content were collected. The probiotic downregulated the gene expression of NF-κβ, increased and , and reduced populations. The hydrolyzed chia protein downregulated the gene expression of TNF-α, increased OCLN, MUC2, and aminopeptidase, reduced , and increased . The three experimental groups improved in terms of intestinal morphology. The current results suggest that the intra-amniotic administration of the hydrolyzed chia protein or a probiotic promoted positive changes in terms of the intestinal inflammation, barrier, and morphology, improving intestinal health.