ISSUE FOCUS FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE August 2023 39 Salmonella will be further increased. The birds’ natural resistance/first barrier against a possible Salmonella infection is via their well-developed intestinal flora. Young birds are therefore most susceptible to an infection of Salmonella as it takes time before the intestinal flora is fully developed. In general, the aim of vaccination for Salmonella infections is the prevention or reduction of intestinal colonisation. This will lead to reduced faecal shedding, and as a result, less egg shell contamination. Besides, diminished colonisation of the liver, the spleen and the reproductive tissues with Salmonella is a result of the induced response by the adaptive immune system, leading to a reduced presence of Salmonella in eggs. Always consult your local veterinarian for advice on the best strategy for your operations that comply with the local legislation. It is known that Salmonella enteritidis can persist in a vaccinated flock of laying hens, but a vaccination program can be used as an additional tool to lower the presence of S. enteritidis in eggs. In combination with the above-mentioned strategies, you can reduce the chance of an infestation with Salmonella drastically. Vaccination against Salmonella is useless when the birds are kept in an environment where there are no proper biosecurity measures taken. BREEDING General health and disease resistance are key traits of our breeding programs. Via the Feed4Food program, Hendrix Genetics is working together with universities, feed companies and animal medicine companies on understanding more about the birds’ gut health and microbiota. This research will hopefully lead to better insights in managing a flock in a healthy and sustainable way. With our intensive health control programs (weekly monitoring of the health status of the birds and their environment) combined with all the measurements that we take to maintain our high level of biosecurity; we keep the Hendrix Genetics’ breeding stock salmonella free. About Freek Thomassen Freek Thomassen is a poultry veterinarian with experience in poultry production, broiler and layer, in the Netherlands. Working with Hendrix Genetics since 2018 with a focus on quality, biosecurity, international trade and animal health. Since 2020 he is part of the technical core team of Hendrix Genetics, performing technical support on veterinary and management issues. About Diogo T. Ito Diogo T. Ito is a zootechnician and nutritionist with professional experience in egg production farms, nutrition and animal health companies. At Hendrix Genetics since 2016, working with technical support and nutrition for layers.
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