It has already been proven that the gut health of broiler chickens plays a crucial role in sustainable production, directly impacting the well-being and efficient performance of these animals. Proper control of this aspect involves understanding and promoting healthy microbiota maturation and its relationship with feed, its antinutritional factors, and the use of performance enhancers. Collecting and monitoring farm data on gut microbiota maturation can provide important data that reflects the current situation of the flock, data that contributes to rapid decision-making and corrective actions.
The maturation of the gut microbiota emerges as a primary indicator of poultry health, where its diversification and balance are intrinsically linked to healthy and productive birds. On the farm, the development of the gut microbiota occurs in parallel with the development of the bird, and it is possible to monitor it through metagenomic analyses (16s rRNA) at the main transition phases (at 7, 21, and 35 days of age). However, it is crucial to accumulate data recorded in the field to understand and compare the results obtained with records of the microbiota of broiler chickens at different ages, genetics, and environmental conditions, as any deviations in microbial development patterns can be identified.
Establishing a diverse and balanced microbiota requires the use of several varied strategies, including environmental control (sanitary/biosecurity strategies focused on animal welfare), nutritional strategies such as the use of prebiotics, probiotics, synbiotics, and highly digestible ingredients in the initial phases, such as Soy Protein Concentrate, which helps promote the development and balance of the microbiota, reduce colonization by pathogens, and strengthen the intestinal health of poultry.
Once well-established and balanced, the microbiota acts as a barrier against pathogens, optimizes nutrient absorption, and strengthens the birds' immune system. Monitoring and promoting this healthy maturation allows birds to express their maximum growth and production potential. Conversely, a lack of control can lead to decreased bird performance and an increased risk of pathogens in flocks that do not respond to changes made in the field.
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It is common to think that a healthy intestinal environment only includes bacterial genera and other microorganisms that are not aggressive or harmful to the animal. However, a balanced intestinal environment is capable of supporting bacteria of all genera, fungi, viruses, and protozoa, where all the interconnected components of the system are working in harmony. However, any imbalances in the organism, depending on their causes and severity, can provide a favorable environment for the excessive development of opportunistic bacteria, causing dysbiosis. Furthermore, there are bacterial agents that poultry farming cannot tolerate and that can also be a problem for human health; these are other reasons why field data control is essential.
Another issue that permeates the lives of nutritionists is the control of feed intake containing potentially antinutritional factors, which play a critical role in the intestinal health of birds. Antinutritional factors, in the case of plants, are secondary metabolites that play an important role in their interaction with the environment. At certain levels ingested by animals, they can reduce or completely prevent the utilization of a nutrient, and can also compromise the integrity of the intestinal mucosa, the absorption of essential nutrients, and predispose birds to intestinal disorders. Substances such as mycotoxins and contaminants can also cause this effect.
Therefore, designing quality control strategies in poultry feed production is fundamental to minimizing the presence of these factors and ensuring intestinal health. In this sense, some of the most commonly applied strategies involve conventional pre-treatments: heat treatment, enzyme application, immersion, sprouting/germination, irradiation and fermentation, peeling, maceration, cooking, grinding, extrusion, micronization, toasting, pelleting, lamination, flaking, and enzymatic treatment. Each strategy is efficient for different applications, and the choice should be based on the one that best suits the needs.
Finally, highlighting the importance of intestinal health in poultry, developing a comprehensive health program for poultry production is an indispensable tool and should include various measures. Aligned with a commitment to quality production, safety, and sustainability, OPTA offers holistic solutions for animal health and production in its portfolio. These solutions encompass the control and monitoring of intestinal microbiota maturation in poultry through metagenomic analysis (16s rRNA) of broiler flocks and nutritional solutions such as probiotics and prebiotics, hydrolyzable tannins, insoluble fibers that provide movement and moisture to the food bolus, soy protein concentrate, and organic acids. Contact our team and speak with our poultry specialists to obtain customized solutions for intestinal health that contribute to the economic success of your production.
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