ISSUE FOCUS 52 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE October 2024 Dr. Attila Kovács Global Intestinal Health Category Manager Innovad Dr. Fernando Trajano Lima Global Poultry Technical Manager Innovad Intestinal health is paramount in poultry production, directly affecting growth rates, feed efficiency, and overall health. While pathogenic infections are a well-recognized cause of intestinal inflammation, another less obvious but equally significant cause are the metabolic and sterile intestinal inflammation. This type of inflammation arises from dietary factors and metabolic disturbances rather than direct microbial infection like in the pathological inflammation. Understanding how feed and different feed ingredients influences this condition, can help in devising strategies to improve poultry health, productivity and the much-needed profitability. NUTRIENT COMPOSITION AND ITS EFFECTS Taking the earlier into consideration, it is safe to say that the composition of poultry feed is critical in managing intestinal health. Let’s look at some examples: Excess dietary fats can disrupt the balance of fatty acids in the body, leading to increased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. These molecules play a role in the body's immune response but, when overproduced, they can cause metabolic inflammation. Certain anti-nutritional factors present in plantbased feeds can contribute to sterile intestinal inflammation. Lectins and phytates, commonly found in grains and legumes, can interfere with nutrient absorption and cause irritation to the gut lining. “The relationship between feed and metabolic or sterile intestinal inflammation in poultry is complex but understanding it is crucial for maintaining optimal health and productivity. By understanding the impact of nutrient composition, feed quality, and processing, poultry producers can develop effective strategies to manage and mitigate intestinal inflammation.” KNOW YOUR PROFITABILITY KILLER Metabolic and sterile low-grade intestinal inflammation
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