In modern poultry farming, gut health is about productivity, disease resistance, and a bird's performance. The gastrointestinal tract (GIT) is not only a site of digestion but also contains a diverse ecosystem with trillions of microorganisms called the gut microbiome. These microbes interact with nutrients directly and enhance their absorption through intestinal villi. The interaction also includes the immune system along with pathogens. Interest in nutritional supplements derived from nature is growing in order to increase the microbiome of the gut. 

Why Gut Microbiome Matters in Poultry

The gut microbiome plays a key role in the digestion of food as well as nutrient absorption in poultry. Short-chain fatty acids like butyrate are also produced, which can be a key source of energy for the intestinal cells. The gut microbiome prevents colonization via harmful organisms like Salmonella and Clostridium. Hence, it stimulates the immune system and improves the overall gut structure in poultry. When the gut microbiome is disturbed by external factors like stress, antibiotics, or infections, it leads to dysbiosis. This imbalance can lead to negative effects like growth stunting, diarrhea, and weakened immune function.

Nutritional Feed Additives Used in Poultry: (Infographic)

Probiotics

Probiotics are live bacteria, fungi, or yeasts that supplement the gut microbes and help to maintain a healthy digestive system. Therefore, it promotes the growth performance and overall health of poultry. Probiotics are increasingly being included in poultry diets as an alternative to antibiotics. It works by enhancing nutrient absorption and reducing the inflammatory load.

Prebiotics

Prebiotics are non-digestible feed ingredients that stimulate the growth and activity of beneficial bacteria in the gut, such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. They help to improve gut health, increase nutrient absorption, and boost immune function in animals. Mannan Oligosaccharides (MOS), Fructooligosaccharides (FOS), and Inulin are commonly used prebiotics in poultry. It multiplies the population of beneficial bacteria in the GIT.

Organic Acids

Organic acids have been used in animal feeds for many years because of the ban on the use of antibiotics. Scientists have reported organic acids as an effective alternative to antibiotics in animal feeds. Commonly used organic acids are acetic, butyric, citric, formic, propionic, malic, tartaric, and lactic acids.

Phytogenic Feed Additives

Phytogenic feed additives (PFAs), also popularly referred to as phytobiotics or botanicals, have gained increasing interest as cost-effective feed additives with proven positive effects on broiler chickens’ intestinal health. They contain plant-derived organic compounds that exhibit antioxidative, immunomodulatory, and growth-promoting effects.

A balanced gut microbiome in poultry is necessary for sustainable production and farming that requires no antibiotics. Customer expectations are increasingly prioritizing antibiotic-free poultry along with improved animal welfare. To fulfil this demand, our company, “Vinayak Ingredients Ind. Pvt. Ltd.,” serves various naturally produced feed supplements to enhance the gut health of the poultry.

Solutions offered:

1. Herbofloxin is a promising alternative to antibiotics in poultry. A unique micro-emulsified formulation of phytoactive ingredients. It not only prevents antibiotic resistance but also ensures healthy meat production for consumers.
2. Nucleovin is packed with nucleotides, probiotics, and vitamin C to help poultry combat stress and grow faster. 
3. Vinmos is a prebiotic that supports gut health, boosts immunity, and fights toxins for better poultry growth.

To know more about the above-mentioned solutions, kindly visit the website at Vinayak Ingredients Ind. Pvt. Ltd.

*References on request