ISSUE FOCUS 60 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE October 2024 birds supplemented with 2.5 kg/t OFP was significantly greater than those in the challenged control group. Feed intake was significantly greater in both OFP groups compared with the challenged control group. Feed conversion ratio in birds supplemented with 5 kg/t OFP was significantly lower than birds in the challenge control group, and was not significantly different compared with birds in the unchallenged control group. The performance of the birds after the strong challenge (from day 22 to day 28 of the study) had subsided is shown in Figure 2. Birds supplemented with OFP demonstrated an enhanced recovery and compensatory growth following the challenge, with both the 2.5 kg/t and 5 kg/t supplemented birds having significantly higher weight gain compared with the negative control and challenge control groups. These results show that OceanFeed Poultry had a significant impact on minimising the negative consequences of Necrotic Enteritis, and demonstrate new mechanisms by which seaweed blends can support enhanced intestinal health in broilers. SUMMARY A considerable body of literature exists to demonstrate the range of bioactive compounds in seaweed, and their applications in animal feed. As strong evidence has accumulated in recent years for the prebiotic effects of seaweed polysaccharides, animal producers are realising the potential benefits of enhancing populations of beneficial gut bacteria on intestinal health and animal performance. Recent research conducted by Ocean Harvest Technology has demonstrated additional benefits beyond these prebiotic effects, mediated through agglomeration of pathogens in the intestinal tract, and possible stimulatory effects on the immune system. About Dr. Ian Hutchinson Dr. Ian Hutchinson is Technical Director at Ocean Harvest Technology, having previously worked for 9 years in the feed additives and premix industry. In his role as Technical Director, Ian is responsible for developing and driving the Ocean Harvest Technology’s research and development agenda as well as customer technical support and product trials. Weight Gain Day 22-28 (kg/bird) c 0,64 0,62 0,6 0,58 0,56 0,54 0,52 0,5 Challenge Control CC+OFP 2.5 kg/t Negative Control CC+OFP 5 kg/t b a a Figure 2. Weight gain and feed conversion ratio of broilers following a Necrotic Enteritis challenge abcValues within the same row not sharing superscripts denote significance differences (P ≤ 0.05). CC+OFP.2.5 kg/t, CC with 2.5 kg/tonne OceanFeed Poultry; CC+OFP 5 kg/t, CC with 5 kg/tonne OceanFeed Poultry;
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