Probiotics and Prebiotics for Poultry Feed
Probiotics & prebiotics in poultry feed to replace antibiotics
The use of probiotics and prebiotics in poultry as feed additives has gained significant attention. These additives can modulate the gastrointestinal tract and have been found to be beneficial for poultry performance and health. In particular, probiotics and prebiotics as feed supplements for poultry have had a positive impact on reducing poultry mortality, increasing growth rates, and improving feed efficiency, which benefits poultry producers.
Probiotics in Poultry Feed
Antibiotics have been widely used in poultry farming for over half a century to improve growth and health. However, in the early 1950s, researchers discovered that antibiotics like streptomycin and tetracycline, when used in turkey and broiler feed, could leave residues in the meat, posing health risks to humans. With growing public concerns about antibiotic resistance, the use of antibiotics in therapeutic or sub-therapeutic doses in poultry feed has been severely restricted or completely banned in many countries.
In recent years, probiotics and prebiotics have emerged as promising feed additives and supplements, especially in broiler chickens. Poultry probiotics are live microorganisms that, when added to poultry feed in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host animal.
These live microorganisms, when added to poultry feed, can enhance gut health by boosting immunity, improving nutrient absorption, and reducing disease. For a more in-depth understanding of probiotics and prebiotics in animal and poultry feed, please refer to the following article:
Article: Probiotics and Prebiotics in Livestock and Poultry Feed provides a detailed definition of probiotics and prebiotics.
Benefits of Poultry Probiotics: What are the Advantages of Using Probiotics in Poultry Feed?
Probiotics induce physiological changes in the intestinal tissue structure and the immune system of poultry. For poultry, probiotics are beneficial in immune modulation, structural modulation, and increased cytokine production. These positively impact the mucosal lining of the intestine against pathogens. These immune changes increase the bird’s resistance to pathogenic bacteria. Beneficial bacteria provide several mechanisms to reduce the number of resident pathogens in the intestinal tract.
The most significant benefits and advantages of using probiotics in poultry feed include:
- Improved overall health
- Replacement of beneficial microorganisms in the intestine
- Secretion of antimicrobial metabolites
- Competition for nutrients
- Balancing the microbial flora of the intestine
- Stimulating the immune system
- Altering intestinal digestibility and the apparent total tract digestibility
- Reducing inflammatory responses
- Preventing pathogen colonization
- Making the bird resistant to stress and related mortality
- Improving growth rate
- Improving digestion and increasing feed intake
- Saving on feed consumption
- Reducing feed conversion ratio and increasing weight gain
- Better absorption of the yolk sac in chicks and preventing the growth of pathogens in the bird’s stomach
- Reducing the likelihood of Salmonella and Coccidiosis and combating them
- Reducing the duration of bird treatment during illness
- Reducing blood cholesterol in birds
- Reducing the excretion of ammonia and urea
- Reducing the incidence of diarrhea
- Reducing the emission of ammonia gas and reducing the bad odor of chicken droppings
- Treating diarrhea in adult birds
Article: By understanding the types of chicken droppings, you can not only determine the health or sickness of the chicken but also predict poultry diseases to a large extent.
Choosing the Best Probiotics and Most Commonly Used Probiotics in the Poultry Industry
There are numerous probiotic species suitable for poultry. However, selecting the optimal choice depends on factors such as the poultry farm, rearing conditions, and flock age. Additionally, the choice of probiotics can vary based on the bird’s species, breed, and unique microbial differences. For instance, Bacillus species are known for their heat stability, digestive enzymes, and improved feed conversion. Conversely, lactic acid-producing bacteria rapidly colonize the young bird’s intestine.
Another crucial factor is the specific microbial subgroup. Not all Bacillus strains, for example, have positive effects. Precise selection and screening of various strains are key to a successful solution! You might wonder how to choose the best probiotic for chicks. As mentioned earlier, various factors influence the selection of the best poultry probiotic. Therefore, consulting with specialists in this field is recommended. However, below are a few examples of probiotic bacteria commonly used in the poultry industry:
- Bacillus subtilis: This is the most common probiotic used in the poultry industry. It is known for its ability to improve digestion, strengthen the immune system, and reduce the risk of disease. Bacillus subtilis is a microorganism that improves the height of intestinal villi. Increased villi height and crypt structure in the gastrointestinal tract of chicks enhance nutrient digestion and absorption. This process helps prevent the entry of pathogenic bacteria into the bird’s body. An article from the Poultry Science journal published by Elsevier Direct stated that “B. subtilis can be an effective natural additive to replace in-feed antibiotics for broiler chickens challenged with C. perfringens (the causative agent of necrotic enteritis). Although the efficacy for reducing mortality was better with antibiotic treatment.” Another point is that heat stress in poultry is a significant challenge in this industry. To overcome such challenges, poultry tries to balance heat production and loss through behavioral and physiological adaptation mechanisms.
- Bacillus licheniformis: This probiotic is known for its ability to improve intestinal function in poultry and increase nutrient absorption. It can also help reduce the risk of disease.
- Lactobacillus acidophilus: This probiotic’s ability lies in improving the intestinal bacterial balance and reducing the risk of infection. It can also help improve immune system health.
- Lactobacillus casei: This probiotic helps improve digestion, strengthen the immune system, and reduce disease risk.
- Enterococcus faecalis: This probiotic also helps improve digestion, strengthen the immune system, and reduce the risk of disease.
As you can see, probiotics improve bird performance by promoting gut health. The role of intestinal health in the broiler chicken industry is crucial. Therefore, we have discussed improving chicken intestinal function in a separate article and also presented effective solutions.
Poultry Prebiotics
A 2019 study titled “Use of Prebiotics as an Alternative to Antibiotic Growth Promoters in the Poultry Industry” found that “adding prebiotics to the diet has a positive impact on poultry production, enhancing gut health, immune system, control of pathogens, and performance parameters.” However, the effectiveness of prebiotics depends on various factors such as the type of supplement, dosage, base diet composition, animal characteristics, and environmental conditions, which can have varying effects on poultry species. Therefore, determining the specific conditions under which prebiotics are used is essential.”
Poultry Prebiotics: A Suitable Replacement for Antibiotics in the Poultry Industry
Poultry prebiotics are a type of fiber that serves as food for beneficial gut bacteria. These bacteria, when fed prebiotics, grow in number. An increased population of beneficial bacteria prevents harmful bacteria from easily colonizing the gut and causing disease. In simpler terms, prebiotics enhance gut health by promoting the growth of good bacteria, thus preventing diseases like Salmonella. Scientists are exploring new ways to use prebiotics in poultry feed to improve bird health and performance.
Prebiotics act as a substrate to induce the growth of beneficial bacteria and produce gastrointestinal effects that benefit the bird’s health. Initially, prebiotics reach the chicken’s intestine without being digested in the upper gastrointestinal tract. However, they are selectively utilized by specific bacteria that are beneficial to the host. Secondly, other intestinal activities occur due to the presence of prebiotics, including the production of short-chain fatty acids and lactic acid as microbial fermentation products, a reduction in the rate of pathogen colonization, and potential health benefits for birds.
In essence, prebiotics are used as preventive agents in poultry feed. Due to their ability to stimulate microbial growth, prebiotics provide the host with metabolic substrates and micronutrients. Some benefits and properties of poultry prebiotics include:
- Production of organic acids
- Gradual reduction in pH
- Increased absorption of calcium and phosphorus in the intestine
- Increased butyrate production through feeding
Choosing the Best Poultry Prebiotics: Most Commonly Used Prebiotics in the Poultry Industry
Scientists are continually researching new sources of prebiotics and combining them with other additives like enzymes to enhance their effectiveness. Additionally, the optimal timing for prebiotic use, such as during the embryonic stage, is being investigated. Currently, the most common prebiotics for poultry include:
- Mannan oligosaccharides (MOS): A specific type of sugar derived from yeast cell walls. This prebiotic prevents bacterial adhesion to the intestinal wall by binding to pathogenic bacteria, thus preventing infections. MOS can also absorb mycotoxins (fungal toxins) and eliminate them from the animal’s body. Moreover, MOS promotes the growth of beneficial gut bacteria and strengthens the chicken’s immune system. In simpler terms, mannan oligosaccharides are dietary supplements that prevent poultry gastrointestinal diseases and improve bird growth and reproduction.
- Fructooligosaccharides (FOS): This prebiotic aids in the growth and multiplication of beneficial gut bacteria by serving as their food, thereby improving gastrointestinal function.
- Inulin: Similar to FOS, this prebiotic helps improve gut health by nourishing beneficial gut bacteria.
- Beta-glucan: In addition to strengthening the immune system, this prebiotic also aids in better digestion and nutrient absorption.
Dosage, Timing, and Administration of Poultry Probiotics and Prebiotics: When is the Best Time to Use Probiotics and Prebiotics in Chicks?
It is recommended to start using probiotics and prebiotics from the very beginning of a chick’s life. This helps establish beneficial bacteria and prevents harmful bacteria from colonizing. It’s important to note that different probiotics have varying effects at different growth stages. For instance, some probiotics may be ineffective during the pre-starter or starter phases. Additionally, the use of probiotics is highly recommended during times of stress.
The dosage and timing of probiotics and prebiotics for poultry are crucial. Excessive consumption can lead to health issues in birds. Therefore, it is essential to consult a veterinarian and adjust the dosage based on the bird’s weight.
While probiotics and prebiotics can be fed daily to maintain a healthy digestive system, they are most beneficial during times of stress and after antibiotic treatment. Poultry may experience stress at various points in their life, including:
- Hatching
- Temperature changes
- Transportation
- New environments
- Changes in feed and water
During stressful times, the animal’s immune system is suppressed. Therefore, it is advisable to use probiotics and prebiotics during the following periods:
- In high-density poultry farms
- Before and after diet changes
- During seasonal or weather changes
- After antibiotic treatments
- After vaccinations
- Environmental stresses, fear, and restlessness
- Nutritional deficiencies
- To boost the immune system
- During disease outbreaks
Probiotics are typically available in powder, tablet, granule, or paste form. Generally, probiotics are given to poultry in drinking water, feed, or as supplements. Some studies have shown that for newly hatched chicks, they can also be applied through spraying in the surrounding environment. It’s crucial to use probiotics specifically formulated for poultry and to source them from reputable suppliers after consulting with experts in the field.
Research studies have shown that a dosage of 500 milligrams per kilogram of feed
is most effective, and higher dosages do not significantly increase the benefits.
Side Effects of Poultry Probiotics and Prebiotics: Do Probiotics and Prebiotics Have Adverse Effects?
When using probiotics and prebiotics for poultry, the chick’s living conditions, dosage, and overall health are crucial. To achieve optimal results in a flock, all conditions must be considered together. As mentioned earlier, in addition to product quality and dosage, the method of administration is also important. Factors such as the type of probiotic used at different ages, whether the probiotic is sprayed on chicks, added to their water or feed, and the cleanliness and sanitation of the poultry farm are all significant. The absence of harmful bacteria, especially mycotoxins, in the feed is of paramount importance. The quality of day-old chicks, proper pellet milling, and other factors can influence the outcome of using prebiotics and probiotics in poultry. This is because they primarily have preventive properties.
For example, excessive consumption of probiotics can be harmful to poultry. Excessive consumption of probiotics can increase beneficial bacteria in the stomach, leading to a disruption of the bird’s digestive system and diarrhea. This is because the poultry’s gastrointestinal defense mechanism reacts to the excessive concentration of these bacteria.
Many of these studies and experiments have been conducted in other countries where the principles of husbandry, poultry farm conditions, and the quality of day-old chicks are strictly controlled. As mentioned earlier, the ban or restriction of antibiotics in poultry farming has caused significant losses to poultry farmers, forcing them to modernize all their farming practices.
In Iran, many poultry farmers have achieved good results in poultry farming by using these substances. Some have achieved positive results by spraying probiotics in hatcheries or the early days of chick growth.
دReasons for the Failure of Prebiotics and Probiotics in Poultry Farms
Reasons for the failure of probiotics in poultry farms can be categorized into two groups. The first group relates to the limitations of the probiotic product itself, including:
- Incorrect selection of bacterial strains
- Insufficient number of bacteria per gram of feed or milliliter of water
- Inappropriate dosage
- Lack of heat resistance of bacteria to pellet temperatures
- Absence of suitable fillers in product formulation
- Short shelf life
- Lack of resistance to stomach acid and bile
The second group relates to human error and poultry farm conditions. This means that your product (probiotic or prebiotic used in feed) is good, but you are not using it correctly. Some of these factors include:
- Intermittent use of probiotics throughout the rearing period
- Inconsistent mixing in feed
- Improper storage conditions
- Most importantly, poor rearing conditions
- Purchasing poor-quality chicks
Ultimately, it’s important to remember that one should never expect probiotics and prebiotics to compensate for poor management practices, low-quality feed, or poor-quality chicks.
Article: Identifying and purchasing high-quality day-old chicks
The Impact of Prebiotics and Probiotics on Layers Chicken
Research has shown that the use of probiotics as a feed supplement (750 grams per ton of feed) can increase feed efficiency in laying hens. Additionally, results have indicated that using 500 milligrams of probiotics per kilogram of feed can increase the average weight of eggs produced by the entire flock by up to 21.50 grams.
Furthermore, probiotics have been shown to significantly increase the growth rate of laying hens and increase the body weight of pullets at maturity. Other notable effects on laying hens include:
- Increased feed intake
- Improved feed conversion ratio
- Enhanced eggshell quality (especially important when birds are at peak production, as eggshell quality can decrease due to high production rates)
- Increased yolk color and quality, and reduced cholesterol
- Improved Haugh units
- Increased egg weight
- Reduced damaged eggs
- Increased laying rate of chickens
- Increased hatch rate
- Decreased contamination of hatching eggs
These factors are of great economic and health significance in breeder farms.
Article: Hatching and chick rearing methods
The Impact of Prebiotics and Probiotics in Broiler Chickens
Supplementing broiler diets with probiotics is essential. According to a 2013 study, probiotics have shown beneficial effects on the performance parameters of broilers, such as weight gain, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio. Additionally, the use of probiotics as a feed supplement reduces litter ammonia levels, and a dosage of 25 grams of probiotics per kilogram of feed results in maximum growth performance of broilers during both the starter and finisher phases.
Probiotics can influence the bird’s immune system by increasing the number of cells in the intestinal wall. The use of probiotics significantly increases the number of villi in the intestine. It also reduces the relative frequency of leaf-shaped villi and increases the relative frequency of finger-like villi compared to the control group. Other benefits of prebiotics and probiotics in broilers include:
- Improved growth performance
- Improved blood biochemical parameters
- Regulation of genes related to growth and immunity
- Positive impact on final body weight
- Improved feed conversion ratio
It is interesting to note that using a diet supplemented with both prebiotics and probiotics is very beneficial in terms of both economics and efficacy.
Product: Click to purchase high-quality broiler feed enriched with probiotics and prebiotics. Jahan Kaveh Ofogh Khazar Company, using a special formulation, is ready to provide you with high-quality feed products for broilers.
Frequently Asked Questions about Probiotics and Prebiotics in Poultry
Why do chicks need probiotics?
The goal of feeding chicks probiotics is to increase the population of beneficial bacteria in the digestive system. Under these conditions, pathogens such as E. coli, Salmonella, and Clostridium have less opportunity to grow. In essence, probiotics contribute to gut health. Consuming probiotics early in a chick’s life helps them maintain better health. Healthy chicks equate to a healthier flock and, consequently, better feed conversion.
How to choose the right probiotic and prebiotic for chicks?
Providing guidance on selecting the right products varies depending on the age, breed, and rearing conditions of the chicks. Be sure to seek advice from specialists in this field.
Poultry probiotics and prebiotics are preventive and can provide long-term intestinal stability for your chicks. High-quality probiotic formulas can offer many benefits for your poultry, but they will never eliminate disease 100%. . Generally, there are different species of probiotics. Choosing the right strain is crucial for achieving the desired results at the end of the period. Among probiotics, try to choose one that contains multiple beneficial bacteria. In particular, try to select a product that contains Bacillus subtilis.
References:
This article was prepared through the efforts of Homa BahramParvar and the content production team at Jahan Kaveh Ofogh Khazar, a producer of various livestock and poultry feeds. It is hoped that this article can be of some assistance, however small, to the livestock and poultry farming industry.
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