Assessment of the potential for in-situ prebiotic in the digestive tract of broilers and implications in antibiotic-free poultry production.

Summary

The growing trend in antibiotic-free poultry production requires the use of non-medicated alternatives to enhance the growth and productivity of birds. In order to achieve this, it is critical for birds to establish a healthy gut; and the use of probiotics and prebiotics directly contribute to establishing a healthy intestinal microflora in animals. Prebiotics, which are carbohydrates of low molecular weights, are essential in helping to support a healthy intestinal microflora and optimizing the gut health. Poultry feeds are based on plant feedstuffs which already contain large quantities of complex carbohydrates that are broken down to carbohydrates of low molecular weights during the process of intestinal digestion and fermentation. An emerging paradigm in this is the potential to generate prebiotics in the intestine of birds and hence optimize the gut health without, or with reduced, need for prebiotic additives. Our lab in Poultry Science department is quantifying and characterizing the profile of prebiotic oligosaccharides that are derived from the digestion of different feedstuffs and how they influence the microbial communities in the gastro-intestinal tract, and their ultimate effect on the growth and health of the bird. This will help inform nutritional options for feeding broilers in a no-antibiotic-ever production scenario.

Situation

The growing trend in antibiotic-free poultry production requires the use of non-medicated alternatives to enhance the growth and productivity of birds.

Response

Our lab in Poultry Science department is quantifying and characterizing the profile of prebiotic oligosaccharides that are derived from the digestion of different feedstuffs and how they influence the microbial communities in the gastro-intestinal tract, and their ultimate effect on the growth and health of the bird.

Impact

This will help inform nutritional options for feeding broilers in a no-antibiotic-ever production scenario.

State Issue

Animal Production

Details

• Year: 2020
• Geographic Scope: National
• County: Clarke
• Location: College Station, Athens
• Program Areas:
  • Agriculture & Natural Resources