Feed & Additive Magazine Issue 22 November 2022

ISSUE FOCUS 54 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE November 2022 Another key impact feed-source pathogens have on gut health is dysbiosis. In a healthy gut, commensal bacteria can outcompete pathogens for resources and block pathogen colonization through competitive exclusion. However, when commensal bacteria are not well established, pathogens can easily disrupt them; this is especially applicable in young birds. Early pathogen colonization of a juvenile gut can have lifetime repercussions on bird performance, so it never achieves its genetic potential. EFFECTIVE OPTIONS FOR FEED PATHOGEN CONTROL Mitigating high microbial loads in feed and feed ingredients protects feed value and gut health by preventing pathogens from entering the gut. Adequately implementing effective feed pathogen control requires producers to understand the pathogen risk presented by their feed formulations. Why is it so important for producers to implement effective feed pathogen control? The first reason is that feed is easily one of poultry production’s most important and costly components. High microbial loads in feed degrade feed quality and prevent poultry producers from extracting every available ounce of value via bird performance, resulting in a direct hit to profitability. However, the second reason is just as important. Pathogens are ubiquitous within the environment and poultry production. Many different fomites track pathogens into live production, and once there, they spread far and wide. Feed is supplied from a single source to multiple operations daily. An ingredient entering the system with a high microbial load can impact multiple poultry houses. Continuously supplying feed with high microbial loads constantly challenges each bird’s gut. Effective feed pathogen control programs should be created to address specific risk and consider factors such as the age and gut integrity of the birds and the risk associated with ingredients in the feed. Protecting gut health requires the effective mitigation of feed-source pathogens such as Clostridia perfringens.

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