Protists in the chicken gastrointestinal tract

Protists in the chicken gastrointestinal tract (GIT) play a crucial role in digestion, microbial interactions, and gut health. However, further research is necessary to elucidate their specific functions and contributions to chickens' overall health and productivity. The protist species in the chicken GIT are limited; it is composed of various groups of ciliates and flagellates. These protists are typically found in the ceca, where they play a role in fermentation and nutrient absorption. The interactions between protists and other members of the biosphere are complex and multifaceted, involving symbiotic relationships, trophic interactions, and both beneficial and detrimental effects. The interactions are crucial for maintaining the overall health and functioning of ecosystems. This review sheds light on the diversity, distribution, and ecological roles of protists in the chicken gastrointestinal tract. It examines interactions between protists and other microbial communities, key environmental and biological factors influencing protist population dynamics, and methodological approaches for detection and characterization, including microscopy, molecular techniques, and next-generation sequencing. The review also identifies knowledge gaps and outlines future research directions to advance understanding of protist–microbiome interactions and their implications for poultry health, disease control, and sustainable production systems.