Microbial supplements lessen impact of Enterococcus cecorum in broilers
Two direct-fed microbials (DFMs) have shown promise in reducing health problems associated with Enterococcus cecorum in broilers.
Two direct-fed microbials (DFMs) have shown promise in reducing health problems associated with Enterococcus cecorum in broilers.
Enteritidis is one of the most common serotypes of Salmonella globally and is historically associated with poultry. Unfortunately, antibiotic resistance is making it more challenging to treat.
Mobility and leg problems are common in modern-day broilers, which are bred for high breast-muscle yield. Extra activity can help the birds support the extra bodyweight and prevent skeletal disorders. Could colored lighting encourage broilers to be more active and less prone to leg problems?
Kansas State University research has offered a glimpse into the potential of niacin supplementation in broiler diets — but questions remain about the exact benefits producers might expect from such a move.
A survey of more than 600 Enterococcus samples from Mississippi poultry farms revealed that E. cecorum primarily affects broilers, while E. faecalis is more problematic in hatcheries and very young chicks.
By Bruce Stewart-Brown, DVM, DACPV
Chief Science Officer
Perdue Farms
By Michael Czarick
Extension Specialist – Engineering
University of Georgia
Department of Poultry Science
Having been linked to everything from yield gains, feed-conversion ratio and immunity to disease tolerance, mortality and animal welfare, intestinal health is foundational to the success of poultry operations today. Three poultry-health experts took part in an intestinal health webinar in which they discussed viral, bacterial and coccidial challenges in poultry, their impact on gut health and potential management strategies.
By Tom Tabler, PhD
Professor, Extension Poultry Specialist
University of Tennessee Extension Service/Animal Science Department
Middle Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center
Spring Hill, Tennessee
Broiler activities like locomotion and movement can be quantified using the broiler activity index (BAI), which has been associated with broiler leg health, productivity and physical conditions. However, current calculation procedures are not user-friendly, requiring extensive training. A new user-friendly web-based AI system could be the answer.
To address the strain on the nation’s egg supply and resultant record egg prices due to the current HPAI outbreak, the National Chicken Council petitioned the FDA to reverse or modify current regulations that compel the broiler industry to discard nutritious and safe eggs.
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has become a major concern for human and food-animal health. The key to better understanding AMR selection and spread is the resistome, the collection of all antimicrobial resistance genes and their precursors in the gut microbiome.
