ISSUE FOCUS 48 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE October 2023 “The microbiome is susceptible to variable microbial loads in feed. Decreasing microbial loads in feed leads to changes in the makeup of the microbiome which are associated with lower mortality and decreased eggshell contamination in broiler breeders with a significant improvement in chick quality. Suggesting that it may be challenging for birds to maintain a balanced microbiome with high feed microbial loads.” FEED MICROBIAL QUALITY SUPPORTS ANIMAL HEALTH AND PERFORMANCE GOALS Dr. Enrique Montiel Global Director of Nutrition and Live Production Anitox The gastrointestinal tract is one of the main points of pathogen entry and the nutrient source to achieve production goals. Enteric diseases and intestinal microbiome imbalance change the intestinal tissues from absorption to defensive mode, causing inflammation and disrupting nutrient extraction, which negatively impacts performance and productivity. Although a considerable amount of time and resources are devoted to intestinal health in terms of management changes, vaccination and additive use, the impact of reducing microbial loads in animal feed is an important tool to keep healthy and successful flocks. THE IMPORTANCE OF FEED: A KEY FACTOR IN ANIMAL HEALTH AND PERFORMANCE Being the highest-cost element of poultry production, the balance between feed quality and cost presents a constant challenge. Special attention is usually paid to feed contamination with pathogens of animal and human importance such as mycotoxin-producing fungus and Salmonella, which can thrive and multiply in feed and feed ingredients. Recent data suggests that total feed microbial load should be assessed since reduced feed microbial loads may positively impact health and production traits. The microbiome is susceptible to variable microbial loads in feed. Decreasing microbial loads in Figure 1. Feed Sanitizer, Termin-8®, Reduces Feed Microbial Loads Compared to Control Feed (Source: Avila et al., 2023)
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