Full natural phytogenic support for intestinal resilience
The poultry industry struggles with significant problems previously controlled by antibiotic growth promoters after the European Union ban on AGPs, a fear of growing resistance among parasites, and environmental residues due to anticoccidial drugs.
Since most of the problems that threaten animal health are multifactorial, there is no single solution. So, there is a need for a holistic approach to poultry production and possibly for implementing a combination of different feed additives to break the vicious cycle of disease and improve the overall performance of poultry. A variety of available alternatives is considered safe by consumers, among which phytogenics play a significant role.
Intestinal integrity
The GIT of healthy chickens is densely harbored by complex microbial communities that provide nutrition and animal protection. Commensal microbiota stimulates the immune system's development, including the mucus layer, and forms a protective barrier between the host and the microbes. In case of impaired digestion and absorption, a delivery of excess nutrients (such as starch, protein, and fat) to the distal segments of the gastrointestinal tract induces alterations in the GIT microbial community resulting in a qualitative and quantitative imbalance of normal microbiota in the distal segments of the chicken's intestine.
Since the diet is the main factor modulating the composition and the metabolic activity of the GIT microbiota, several feed additives have been developed focusing on enhancing immune response and promoting the colonization of the GIT with beneficial bacteria, thus stimulating digestion and absorption.
Did you know?
Dietary immunomodulation is a key to enhancing the productivity and immune system integrity of poultry raised in the absence of antibiotics.
Efficacy of phytogenics on broiler's gut
A floor pen trial study was conducted to study the effectiveness of a well-formulated phytogenic feed additive (Biostrong® Protect) on growth performance, the severity of necrotic enteritis, and oocyst excretion in broilers.
Results were promising and showed improved resilience against coccidiosis, and lower necrotic enteritis lesion score in broilers fed the phytogenic feed additive.
If we've made you curious and you'd like to read the full article about phytogenics and their support for intestinal resilience in poultry, published in the International Poultry Production magazine, please click below.
Mojca Osredkar Mergole
Mojca Osredkar Mergole is a doctor of veterinary medicine and started her professional career as a livestock and pet veterinarian. In 2013, she joined a company producing natural feed additives as a product manager responsible for natural feed additives for poultry. She focuses on feed additive development, operational and technical support to internal company departments and foreign agents (worldwide). Mojca started working at Delacon in November 2021 as Global Technical Manager for poultry.
