Lactobacillus-vectored nanobodies improve broiler productivity under sub-clinical necrotic enteritis with associated microbiome and transcriptome changes

The dataset comprises metatranscriptomic profiles of jejunal contents, gene expression data from the jejunum and liver, histomorphometric analysis of the jejunum, and fecal and cecal pathogen counts from broiler chickens. These data were collected during a 43-day floor pen study evaluating the effects of Lactobacillus reuteri strains genetically engineered to secrete anti-alpha toxin and anti-NetB nanobodies. Birds were challenged with Clostridium perfringens to induce subclinical necrotic enteritis. Control groups included untreated birds, birds treated with a prophylactic antibiotic, and birds administered unmodified L. reuteri strains. The live animal experiment and procedures conform to the Guide for the Care and Use of Agricultural Animals in Agricultural Research and Teaching. IACUC Approval Number: BE2024-018