ISSUE FOCUS 42 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE May 2024 “Feed hygiene in poultry production is a frequently forgotten aspect of biosecurity that can have far-reaching consequences. Contaminated feed may lead to poultry diseases with detrimental effects on performance and feed safety issues with important economic and reputation consequences. Maintaining healthy laying hen flocks in an antibiotic-free environment requires a comprehensive improvement of current management practices and disease prevention strategies.” Strategies minimizing the opportunities of disease-causing agents to infiltrate susceptible flocks support producers' profitability objectives, and are typically achieved by establishing lines of separation through a sound biosecurity program. For layer production these programs start by separating the pullets of layers from the exterior of the farm, cleaning and disinfecting vehicles, using protective gear and sanitizing any potential fomite from feed, which is critically important. Significant time and effort are involved in every biosecurity effort, and feed is a critical fomite in the layer industry due to its ability to introduce contamination through raw materials and its widespread dissemination throughout layer operations. The microbial quality of feed directly impacts the health, productivity, and ultimately, the profitability of layer production operations. Amidst the multiple factors influencing gut health, feed sanitation emerges as a cornerstone practice for safeguarding the delicate balance within the gastrointestinal ecosystem. Recent data evaluates the profound impact of feed sanitation on commercial layer gut health, proper microbiome development and how it could help producers optimize hen performance and profitability. FEED HYGIENE STRATEGIES SUPPORT LAYER PRODUCTION Feed hygiene in poultry production is a frequently forgotten aspect of biosecurity that can have far-reaching consequences. Contaminated feed may lead to poultry diseases with detrimental effects on performance and feed safety issues with important economic and reputation consequences. Maintaining healthy laying hen flocks in an antibiotic-free environment requires a comprehensive improvement of current management practices and disease prevention strategies. Heightened biosecurity measures are essential to minimize the risk of avian pathogen transmission, with contaminated raw materials and finished feed serving as efficient vectors for disease dissemination throughout the production chain. Effective strategies for optimizing feed hygiene are imperative for the success of layer production operations. Stringent quality assurance measures are crucial FEED SANITATION: A LINE OF SEPARATION TO EFFICIENT LAYER PRODUCTION Jose Ramirez Technical Director (Americas) Anitox
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