NEWS 14 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE June 2025 Consumers want antibiotic-free meat and farmers need reliable ways to keep their flocks healthy. Clemson University, based in South Carolina, USA, unveiled it is helping meet both goals through research that explores natural alternatives to antibiotics in poultry production. The poultry industry is big, bringing in $2.5 billion annually for the South Carolina economy. A common gut disease in chickens, called necrotic enteritis (NE), creates an economic burden due to reduced production, increased mortality and the need for expensive treatments. Antibiotics are often used to treat this disease. But Clemson University researchers say natural products like black cumin, kefir and bacteriophages may work just as well — and meet the growing demand for antibiotic-free chicken. “We’re learning how gut bacteria affects chicken health,” said Vishal Manjunatha, a Clemson researcher who recently graduated with a doctorate in food, nutrition and packaging sciences. “This can help farmers use fewer antibiotics and still keep chickens healthy.” In his study, “Exploring natural products as alternatives to antibiotics…”, Manjunatha found several natural ingredients that help fight NE in chickens: • Black cumin oil helps chickens survive NE and protects their intestines without affecting growth. • A mix of black cumin and bacteriophages stops chickens from dying from NE and improves gut health. (Bacteriophages are viruses that kill only harmful bacteria.) • Kefir, a drink made from fermented milk, boosts the immune system and helps good bacteria grow in the gut. Read more>> Alltech will welcome global thought leaders and innovators to the Central Bank Center in Lexington, Kentucky, USA, from May 18–20, 2026, for its Alltech ONE Conference, which will provide an immersive exploration of the bold ideas shaping the future of agri-food. “Over the last 40 years, Alltech has created a truly unique event, the only one of its kind, which many hail as the premier international agri-food event,” said Dr. Mark Lyons, president and CEO of Alltech, one of the global leaders in animal health and nutrition. “ONE 2026 will again congregate thought and action leaders, scientists, food producers, entrepreneurs and storytellers in a spirit of open collaboration to explore what’s next for our industry — and our planet.” In 1985, Alltech held its first iteration of the conference in Lexington, welcoming guests from around the world to engage with experts on trending topics in the agriculture industry. Since then, ONE has become a catalyst for inspiration, innovation and collaboration across the agriculture industry and beyond. The conference was held in Lexington until 2023, when Alltech took the ideas and inspiration of ONE on the road to six countries and four continents as the Alltech ONE World Tour. “After years of connecting virtually and exploring the world together through regional experiences, we’re bringing the Alltech ONE Conference home to Lexington,” added Lyons. Read more>> Clemson University unveils antibiotic-free way to raise chickens Alltech ONE Conference set to return in May 2026 Photo: Clemson University
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