Composition of the ileum microbiota is a mediator between the host genome and phosphorus utilization and other efficiency traits in Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica).

Our results revealed a significant effect of host genetics on composition of the ileal microbiota and confirmed that host genetics and composition of the ileum microbiota have an impact on the host's quantitative traits. This offers the possibility to breed for improved phosphorus utilization based on the host genome and the heritable part of composition of the ileum microbiota.