June 27, 2023

 

Lallemand: Poultry microbiota research in spotlight during European Symposium on Poultry Nutrition

 

 

Lallemand Animal Nutrition poultry experts recently gathered in Rimini, Italy, to share state-of-the-art knowledge with worldwide experts in poultry nutrition at the 23rd European Symposium on Poultry Nutrition (ESPN).

 

The event represented an opportunity to share two new studies focusing on poultry nutrition and microbiota modulation developed using high throughput sequencing techniques, Lallemand said. In addition, the company's team introduced a new practical method to assess pullet quality on-farm.

 

Assessing and improving pullet quality

 

It has been reported that body weight measurement is not sufficient to evaluate pullet quality. Muscle development and protein retention are also important criteria for pullet quality and future laying performance.

 

As such, Lallemand's team developed an original, on-farm indicator to evaluate pullet quality. This new method is based on the measurement of the pectoralis muscle (breast muscle) thickness using handheld ultrasonography.

 

The study shared at ESPN reported the validation of this method in a rearing environment (30,000 pullets). The trial also validated the effect on pullet performance of probiotic supplementation (Pediococcus acidilactici CNCM I-4622; BACTOCELL).

 

The bacteria supplementation led to improved and efficient growth performance and thicker pectoralis muscles. By improving feed digestibility and lowering inflammation, BACTOCELL appears to contribute to better protein retention from the feed and more efficient protein deposits in the muscle. The probiotic was considered a promising nutritional strategy to secure laying hen performance.

 

Deep diving into poultry microbiota

 

Two other studies used metagenomic techniques to assess the effects of microbiota modulation on poultry using either a probiotic (P. acidilactici CNCM 4622; BACTOCELL) or the natural microbiota isolated from healthy poultry (AVIGUARD).

 

In the first study, the probiotic was supplemented to laying hens during the late phase of the production cycle with confirmed benefits on laying performance. The probiotic favored a more diverse gut microbiota, which is likely to be more resilient. The modulation of the microbiota profile may also help improve gut health and performance.

 

In pullet rearing, a trial conducted with AVIGUARD confirmed the ability of the natural microbiota to enhance intestinal development and immune maturation in pullets. The microbiota study showed a reduction of opportunistic pathogenic bacteria in the pullet gut (Enterobacteriaceae and Enterococcus sp.).

 

AVIGUARD favored faster maturation of the gut microbiota and the immune system, as shown in the development of the bursa of Fabricius. As a result, pullet robustness and resilience to invading pathogens is enhanced at a time when early colonisation by opportunistic pathogenic bacteria represents a major threat to the health of a flock.

 

- Lallemand Animal Nutrition