Value of investment in and maintenance of an intestinal integrity program

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.

Dr. Alastair Thomas
Senior Director Technical Services
Elanco

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 compromise intestinal health, making birds more liable to develop NE as well.

Diagnosing NE can be challenging for producers, as birds affected by the disease may demonstrate nonspecific symptoms such as ruffled feathers, diarrhea and decreased appetite. The disease often progresses quickly, with early mortality frequently related to concurrent coccidiosis. Diagnosis typically involves post-mortem examination, revealing characteristic lesions in the small intestine. The rapid onset of NE highlights the critical importance of proactive management strategies to maintain intestinal health.

BENEFITS OF A STRONG INTESTINAL INTEGRITY PROGRAM
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.

Birds with healthy gut integrity have stronger immune systems and lower mortality rates. Flocks with robust intestinal health are less susceptible to infections like NE and coccidiosis. This enhanced immunity means flocks expend less energy fighting diseases and more energy on growth and production. By strengthening gut health, producers may see improved welfare metrics, fewer losses in flocks and reduced costs.

Focusing on prevention rather than treatment enables producers to significantly lower medication and treatment costs. Lessening the labor involved in treating sick birds makes operations more efficient and cost-effective. This is particularly crucial in No Antibiotics Ever (NAE) production systems. As consumer demand for antibiotic-free poultry grows, producers seek preventative gut health measures like proper nutrition, probiotics and good management practices. These proactive methods can help producers maintain profitability while adhering to consumer and regulatory demands.

DATA-DRIVEN DECISION MAKING
Intestinal integrity programs are effective when supported by advanced monitoring tools. The Intestinal Integrity Index (I²), for example, assesses the intestinal health of flocks based on flock-level health and performance data, enabling producers to monitor gut health metrics over time. Tools like the I² Index are valuable in identifying trends and potential issues early, such as signs of intestinal disease, and enable producers to adjust feeding strategies, environmental conditions or health protocols to prevent disease outbreaks. The data provided by advanced monitoring tools allows for quantifying the economic impact of gut health on flock performance, helping producers measure the return on investment from preventative health measures. Additionally, producers’ adoption of these tools is beneficial in supporting, informing and evaluating other concurrent industry efforts to drive economic sustainability and profitability.

Investing in and maintaining an intestinal integrity program is critical to achieving optimal productivity and profitability in the poultry industry. This proactive approach helps prevent diseases like necrotic enteritis, reduces reliance on antibiotics and enhances overall flock health and efficiency. Leveraging data-driven decision-making tools, like the I² Index, empowers producers to make informed, timely interventions that lower mortality and treatment costs, creating significant savings over time. While implementing a comprehensive intestinal integrity program may require initial investment, the long-term benefits of proactive intestinal health management are a best practice and a necessity in today’s competitive poultry industry.

References
1. Caly, D. L., Auclair, E., and Drider, D. 2015. “Alternatives to Antibiotics to Prevent Necrotic Enteritis in Broiler Chickens: A Microbiologist’s Perspective.” Frontiers in Microbiology. 6. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2015.01336.
2. Fathima, S., Al Hakeem, W.G., et al. 2022. “Necrotic Enteritis in Broiler Chickens: A Review on the Pathogen, Pathogenesis, and Prevention.” Microorganisms. 10. https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms10101958
3. Abd El-Hack, M. E., El-Saadony, M. T., et al. 2022. “Necrotic enteritis in broiler chickens: disease characteristics and prevention using organic antibiotic alternatives – a comprehensive review.” Poultry Sci. 101.2. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psj.2021.101590
4. Godbout, A., Edwards, J., et al. 2024. “Effect of a Multiactivity Non-Starch Polysaccharide Degrading Enzyme on Broiler Growth Performance and Nitrogen Utilization: A Meta-Analysis of Own Trial Data.” Animal – Open Space. 3. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anopes.2024.100065