Intestinal Microbiota Balance

A healthy, balanced intestinal microbiome provides a physical barrier against intestinal pathogen colonisation. It results in the competitive exclusion of pathogenic bacteria and production of antibacterial substances such as short chain fatty acids. Short chain fatty acids inhibit intestinal pathogen growth and stimulate the development of intestinal immunity. Intestinal microbiota also contributes to the metabolism of nitrogen and dietary protein, which provides further amino acids for egg production, maintenance and growth. Intestinal microbiota in poultry may also produce additional vitamins, especially B vitamins.

A balanced Intestinal Microbiota in production animals:

• improves host nutrition and growth;
• reduces intestinal pathogen colonisation;
• helps with the development of the intestinal enterocytes and intestinal barrier function; and
• aids in the development of intestinal immunity.

Poultry requires 2 to 4 weeks to establish a stable intestinal microbiome. In the meanwhile there is enough time for pathogenic bacteria to colonise the intestine and cause bacterial enteritis and negatively affect the health of the animal. This highlights the importance of the early establishment of a healthy, balanced intestinal microbiome. Modern production animals are placed under pressure to grow quickly, which places strain on their immune systems. This can lead to a disruption of the intestinal microbiota resulting in a dramatic proliferation of enteric pathogens, Clostridium perfringens and E. coli, leading to the development of bacterial enteritis and necrotic enteritis. All of the above will have a severe negative impact on the health and production potential of pigs and poultry. The early establishment and maintenance of the intestinal microbiota to suppress the proliferation of enteric pathogens, Clostridium perfringens and E. coli, is therefore vital to maintaining the health and productivity of production animals.

The success of the livestock industry relies heavily on the effectiveness of feed conversion. Because feed is a large factor in production costs (up to 70 percent), poor feed efficiency translates into significant economic losses. Mortality rates, decreased weight gain, increased time to slaughter, condemnations at slaughter, lowered fertility and preventative treatments associated with diseases contribute to economic losses.

Livestock performance and poultry production can be optimised by managing the intestinal microbiota to prevent infections and promote animal health.