ISSUE FOCUS 44 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE June 2025 resistance, which threatens both animal and human health. Since 90% of poultry diseases are linked to gut health, gut health management is crucial to mitigate disease and reduce the need for antibiotics. Higher feed consumption and nutrient absorption In cage-free systems, birds engage in more physical activities such as running, flying and foraging. This increased energy expenditure, which can be further increased by adverse weather conditions, means the bird must consume more feed to maintain productivity. Therefore, gut health is vital so that the surface available for digestion and absorption is optimal, allowing the bird to maximize feed utilization. If a hen’s gut is compromised due to an infection, feed utilization suffers, leading to decreased egg production and increased feed costs. Wet litter issues Another challenge in cage-free housing is the increased contact with litter, which can become wet due to digestive upsets, nutritional imbalances, disease or poor ventilation. Wet litter contributes to ammonia buildup, leading to footpad dermatitis, bumblefoot, and overall poor bird welfare. Digestive issues caused by conditions like coccidiosis or dysbacteriosis can further exacerbate wet litter problems, making gut health management a priority. Egg safety and quality When moving to a cage-free system, there is a higher risk of eggs being laid outside nesting areas or in dirty litter, and since hens have more contact with manure, eggs can be more prone to bacterial contamination. Reducing the risk of contamination needs a holistic approach including vaccination, biosecurity, gut health management, proper egg handling, and environmental controls. MANAGING CAGE-FREE CHALLENGES THROUGH GUT HEALTH A holistic approach is necessary to maintain hen health, productivity, welfare and food safety in the transition to a cage-free system. One effective strategy involves supporting gut health through yeast mannan-rich fraction (MRF). MRF promotes microbiota diversity, enhances pathogen resistance and strengthens gut integrity. Direct pathogen control One way to reduce disease risk and antibiotic use in cage-free systems is by preventing pathogen colonization in the gut. Pathogens like Salmonella adhere to the gut lining via type 1 fimbriae. MRF binds to these fimbriae, blocking bacterial attachment. Studies indicate that MRF supplementation in layer diets significantly lowers Salmonella prevPhoto: FreePik
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