ISSUE FOCUS FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE October 2024 55 “A tailored intestinal integrity program offers several benefits crucial to poultry flocks' health, productivity, and overall performance. One of the primary advantages of such a program is improved feed conversion ratio (FCR), which optimizes gut function and nutrient absorption. Birds with healthy intestinal linings can convert feed into body mass more efficiently, improving FCR. Reducing the feed required achieves optimal growth and can significantly lower operational expenses.” Necrotic enteritis (NE) is one of the world’s most significant and costly diseases in the poultry industry. The rapidly fatal intestinal disease can have mortality rates as high as 50%, endangering flock welfare and causing severe economic losses1. The economic toll of NE on the global broiler industry is substantial, with an estimated $5-6 billion spent annually due to increased mortality, decreased productivity and treatment costs2. For producers, NE prevention is paramount in protecting flocks and sustaining revenue growth. A well-structured intestinal integrity program offers an opportunity to accomplish both objectives. A proactive approach allows producers to reduce their reliance on medications, improve feed conversion rates and boost the overall productivity of their operations. Producers can optimize flocks' productivity and well-being by maintaining a healthy gut through a comprehensive intestinal integrity program. UNDERSTANDING NECROTIC ENTERITIS NE, caused by the naturally occurring bacterium Clostridium perfringens, primarily affects 2–5-week-old broilers and 7–12-week-old turkeys3. While typically harmless in small numbers, C. perfringens can increase under certain conditions such as dietary changes, immune suppression or intestinal damage. The increase in bacteria results in a release of toxins, creating lesions in the gut, impairing the bird’s ability to absorb nutrients and causing diarrhea, lethargy and, in severe cases, sudden death. The risk of illness from NE during such a critical growth period compounds the economic impact. Several factors predispose birds to NE outbreaks in poultry populations, including dietary changes, immunosuppression and intestinal damage from coccidia. Dietary components such as high levels of non-starch polysaccharides (NSPs) from grains like wheat, rye and barley increase digestive viscosity and promote bacterial overgrowth in the gut, making birds susceptible to NE4. Environmental stressors such as immunosuppressive diseases, poor housing conditions or abrupt dietary changes can also VALUE OF INVESTMENT IN AND MAINTENANCE OF AN INTESTINAL INTEGRITY PROGRAM Dr. Alastair Thomas Senior Director Technical Services Elanco
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