ISSUE FOCUS FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE November 2022 53 that not every feed ingredient is at risk for high-level microbial contamination and that microbial loads depend on type and quality. Our examination of over 8,000 feed ingredient samples shows that when looking at the general microbial loads of feed, animal by-product meals and vegetable proteins such as soybean meal have the highest microbial loads and present a higher risk of microbial contamination to feed formulations. Analysis of more than 2000 samples of various ingredient types revealed that vegetable oils, cereal grain by-products, and animal protein meals had the highest incidence rates of Clostridia perfringens. In finished feeds, Clostridia perfringens incidence is highly variable and ranges from 3.65% in pelleted feeds to 55% in non-pelleted feeds. Introduction and heightened prevalence of pathogens causing performance-limiting disease, such as Clostridium perfringens, are detrimental to feed efficiency and weight gain, potentially increasing FCR by 2-3 points, production costs, and reducing bird health and performance. Multiple studies have shown that sub-clinical C. perfringens infections occur in approximately 30% of flocks. Affected birds experience increased mortality and carcass condemnations and typically have a reduced live weight while consuming more feed. On average sub-clinical C. perfringens infection requires the bird to consume an additional 80 grams per kilogram of live weight. Reduced feed conversion and bird performance can cost producers between $0.05 to $1.50 per bird. Feed-source pathogens have a direct line to the GIT and, depending on the age, management conditions and prevalence, displace the natural microbiota, colonize the gut and cause infection. This route impacts bird performance in two main ways. High microbial loads in feed present an increased risk of heightening the prevalence of pathogens within the gut. Increased pathogen prevalence can lead to infection and trigger an immune response. This can be costly to producers because birds fighting infection are expending energy in a way that does not lead to productive growth. GIT disruption prevents efficient nutrient utilization and can trigger immune responses that divert energy from bird growth.
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