ISSUE FOCUS 32 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE April 2024 Elevated microbial levels in feed can result in various health and performance issues, mainly by stimulating goblet cells in the gastrointestinal tract to generate mucus, leading to dysbiosis and enteric disease. Pathogen colonization in the gastrointestinal tract often leads to health challenges in animal production, making it increasingly important for producers to address risks through efficient feed hygiene protocols. Over the past few years Anitox has worked with Colorado Quality Research to assess the effects of feed sanitation programs on broiler health and performance. Encouragingly, the findings indicate that decreasing microbial levels in broiler feeds can lessen the severity of the lesions and associated mortality while improving performance under a Necrotic Enteritis challenge model. Broilers that received sanitized feed at different production stages exhibited enhanced feed conversion, growth rates, and reduced mortality rates in comparison to those on a regular diet. In the modern food industry, prioritizing safety and quality is essential. This means that effectively controlling microbial loads in feed plays a crucial role in both animal feed and food production. Sanitizing feed stands out as a highly effective method for managing microbial loads and reducing pathogen’s detrimental effect on poultry performance. The use of feed sanitizers, as studies consistently show, has been shown to decrease microbial loads in feed, leading to enhancements in poultry performance metrics. For instance, Avila et al. discovered that broiler breeder hens consuming sanitized feed had lower mortality during production, reduced microbial loads in laid eggs that in turn produced better quality chicks. By comprehending the microbial risks associated with feed ingredients, acknowledging the role of legacy bacteria in feed mills, and implementing effective feed hygiene practices, producers can attain feed quality, biosecurity, and performance goals. About Dr. Enrique Montiel Veterinarian, Dr. Enrique Montiel has more than 25 years global poultry and animal health experience. A Master of Science in avian pathology and immunology and a Ph.D. in poultry science, he is a leading authority on the influence of feeding methods on immune responses in poultry. As Global Director of Nutrition and Live Production at Anitox, Dr. Montiel supports global understanding of feed as a fomite for performance-limiting pathogens including Salmonella and viruses, and works closely with the world's leading producers to prevent feed-source pathogens entering live production.
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