A significant challenge facing the global poultry industry is minimizing antibiotic use while maintaining bird health and productivity efficiency. Antimicrobial stewardship, or the prudent use of antibiotics, has become more important as a result of the rise in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in poultry. This has led to a renewed emphasis on using alternative methods to improve poultry gut health. Digestion, nutrient absorption, and immune system performance are all significantly impacted by the gut microbiome of poultry, a complex ecosystem of bacteria and other microbes. A disturbance in this intricate equilibrium may result in dysbiosis of the gut, a state linked to heightened vulnerability to infections and reduced capacity for growth. In the past, antibiotics were used as growth promoters in addition to treating infections. But this procedure unintentionally aided in the development of bacteria resistant to antibiotics.
The post-antibiotic era is seeing the emergence of several promising alternatives to support gut health. Probiotics, or live beneficial bacteria, are one method for creating and preserving a healthy gut microbiome. Research has demonstrated that probiotic supplementation can enhance chicken weight gain, feed conversion efficiency, and intestinal health.
Another way to optimize gut health is through prebiotics, which are non-digestible fibers that feed good bacteria. Prebiotics increase the number and activity of helpful gut flora, resulting in a more resilient microbiome. Using synbiotics, a blend of probiotics and prebiotics, is another tactic that is becoming more and more popular. Synbiotics have a synergistic effect that increases both ingredients’ potency in fostering gut health. Furthermore, studies have demonstrated the antimicrobial qualities of organic acids and essential oils, which may aid in the regulation of harmful bacteria in the gut. Promising findings for gut health and disease prevention in poultry are coming from ongoing research into these natural alternatives.
The gut microbiome is significantly shaped by diet. Beneficial bacteria can proliferate in poultry diets high in fermentable fibers and vital nutrients. In contrast, the gut microbiota may be disturbed by diets heavy in protein and saturated fats. Enhancing feed formulations with prebiotics and other gut-supporting components can greatly enhance chicken gut health.
Additionally, regulating environmental stressors such as heat and crowding has been shown to improve gut health. Stress upsets the gut microbiome’s delicate balance, increasing the susceptibility of birds to infections. Stress can be reduced and a healthy gut environment can be promoted by implementing the proper ventilation, temperature control, and stocking density practices.
In conclusion, a multifaceted strategy that reduces the use of antibiotics is needed to optimize gut health in chicken farming. In the post-antibiotic era, poultry producers can maintain bird health and productivity efficiency by using probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, and other natural alternatives, as well as by optimizing diet and controlling stress. In addition to being vital for animal welfare, this move toward a comprehensive approach to gut health management is also vital for public health since it lessens the risk of antimicrobial resistance.
