The microbiome’s crucial role in poultry gut health

The gastrointestinal tract is the starting point – directly or indirectly – for many poultry diseases. The complex and harmonious relationship between the gut microbiome and its host is crucial to normal function.

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tincika | BigStockPhoto.com
tincika | BigStockPhoto.com

The gastrointestinal tract is the starting point – directly or indirectly – for many poultry diseases. The complex and harmonious relationship between the gut microbiome and its host is crucial to normal function.

Millions of bacteria live in the poultry gut, alongside viruses, fungal species and other microorganisms – collectively known the gut microbiome. For the most part, these gut microbes work together for the benefit of the host. However, one of the most important functions of the microbiome is the suppress pathogenic populations of bacteria that can make the bird sick.

A unique colony

The microbial makeup of the gastrointestinal tract is unique to each bird and begins at hatching. Because the first bacteria to gain access to a chick’s gut originates in the parent, gut health starts at the parent level.

Could be an indicator of bird health

The poultry microbiome plays a pivotal role not only in gut health, but in bird health overall.

Although research on the poultry microbiome is still in its infancy, there is a lot of evidence that the microbiome can affect bird health. The Human Microbiome Project has linked the human microbiome to numerous diseases and ailments, including infectious diseases, liver diseases, gastrointestinal cancers, metabolic diseases respiratory diseases, mental or psychological disorders and autoimmune disorders.

Antibiotic-free management

In the past, many diseases that started in the poultry gut could be treated with antibiotics. However, most poultry producers have moved to antibiotic-free or no-antibiotics-ever in response to consumer concerns about antibiotic resistance.

Producers can help maintain a healthy microbial balance in their birds by feeding the right nutrients and keeping pathogens under control.

Recently, the emphasis in poultry gut health management has shifted from working against to working with the microbiome through the use of pre- and probiotics.

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