Within the gastrointestinal tract of your flock, a huge collection of microbes (bacteria, fungi and viruses) lies. This microbial community is crucial to gut health, and, in turn, overall health as it directly impacts immune system development, protection against intestinal disease, produces vitamins and aids in digestion.
The Science Behind Poultry Gut Health
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Given the impact of the intestinal microbiota on energy and nutrient extraction, understanding the science behind this important community can help producers obtain the maximum genetic potential of their flock.
What you will learn from this free article
● The benefits gut microbiota provide to the chicken host.
● How a healthy bacterial community in the intestines is defined.
● Causes of bacterial dysbiosis.
● Flock management impacts on gut health.
Early Development of Good Gut Health in Poultry
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Since the gut microbiota impact intestinal functions including immunity, nutrient absorption, and intestinal barrier integrity, establishing a healthy intestinal microbiome is important so that the chicken can efficiently extract the nutrients it requires for growth and production.
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What you will learn from this free article
● How an intestinal microbiome is formed.
● Characteristics of good gut health development.
● Steps to take at the hatchery to promote good gut health development.
● On-farm management to ensure chicks develop a healthy gut.
Managing the House Environment to Promote Good Gut Health in Poultry
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Controlling the bacteria in the environment through environmental management is essential for establishing and maintaining the gut microbiota and, in turn, good gut health.
What you will learn from this free article
● Controlling moisture in the house to prevent bacterial overgrowth in the environment.
● How a poor environment can cause bacterial dysbiosis.
● Ventilation management to promote good litter quality.
● Common causes of bacterial overgrowth in the litter.