The keynote speaker was Dr. Péter Gálfi, Head of the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology at the Faculty of Veterinary Science Szent Istvan University, Budapest, Hungary, who discussed the ''Use of additives as a preventive tool against infectious diseases in poultry nutrition.''

 

After reviewing diseases related with nutrition that affect poultry, Dr. Gálfi presented the major tools available to combat those diseases and focused on organic acids and sodium butyrate in particular. He based his presentation on the large amount of scientific papers already available and also included some of his latest findings.

 

Dr. Gálfi explained that sodium butyrate is a SCFA that has positive effects at the molecular, cellular, and tissue level. He detailed these effects: from the well known antibacterial properties to less documented mechanisms such as effects of butyrate on gene expression, activation of the protein kinase C pathway, the reducing effect on inflammation or the stimulation of secretion of digestive enzymes via interaction with receptors.

 

Professor Dr. Rafael Balaña, from the Leon University Biomedic Department (Spain), gave a lecture about Salmonella infections and how they can be prevented by the use of feed additives. Salmonella infection is very important because of its easy and regular transmission to humans, causing serious health issues.

 

On many occasions the origin of the infection is an avian product and so since 2003 all European producers have been obliged to control these pathogens in their facilities. There is no single solution or magic formula that may keep Salmonella completely under control all the time so producers and the meat industry must work together in a multiple pronged attack with good management practices, clean transport and safe feed. The feed is the last line of defense against Salmonella; if any of the other barriers have failed the bacteria will be in direct contact with the animal via the Gastro Intestinal Tract. Therefore, it is necessary to have effective help within the feed that can stop Salmonella spreading.

 

Volatile Short Chain Fatty Acids are a good tool for this objective because they interfere with the gene expression of the bacteria, controlling its population growth. Also, the use of certain probiotics can keep the pathogenic bacteria population well under control, either by competitive exclusion or because of the production of antibacterial agents (bacetriocines).

 

The third lecture of the symposium was given by Dr. Juan Carlos Marijuan from the Cooperativa Avícola y Ganadera de Burgos (Spain) whose practical experience is remarkable. Due to his continuous contact with poultry producers, all his research is pragmatic and results-oriented.

 

Dr. Marijuan explained how the European Avian producer faces very complex and tough legislation just to remain in operation and how producer numbers are at stake because of imports from outside the EU. These imports, although they are meant to be produced following similar legislation to the EU, can produce cheaper animals due to lower labour costs.

 

The final presentation of the seminar was made by Mathieu Cortyl from Norel, S.A. Asia Pacific Representative Office. Starting from the observation that a single farm, with no change of genetics and feeding programmes, can obtain very variable results over time; Mathieu discussed the different factors that explained this inconsistent performance. They can be classified under three major categories: environmental factors such as housing, sanitary status which covers all biosafety measures and finally, gut health and integrity.

 

Delivering the best feed makes sense only if it is correctly digested and absorbed. A review of feed additives that can help in this respect was made with a focus on organic acids including sodium butyrate (GUSTOR) and probiotics like ECOBIOL. Their benefits at gut level and the positive consequences for the producer were reviewed. Trial data with economical calculations were presented.