{"id":196576,"date":"2023-10-18T15:36:32","date_gmt":"2023-10-18T13:36:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ew-nutrition.com\/?p=196576"},"modified":"2023-11-06T12:14:48","modified_gmt":"2023-11-06T11:14:48","slug":"nutritional-considerations-immunity-gut-health","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ew-nutrition.com\/us\/nutritional-considerations-immunity-gut-health\/","title":{"rendered":"Nutritional considerations for immunity and gut health"},"content":{"rendered":"
Conference report\u00a0<\/span><\/h6>\n

At the recent EW Nutrition Poultry Academy in Jakarta, Indonesia, Dr Steve Leeson, Professor Emeritus, University of Guelph, Canada, opened his presentation by stating that \u201cit is obvious that any nutrient deficiency will impact bird health, but not so obvious is that nutrition per se<\/em> can positively impact immunity and health in an otherwise healthy and high-producing bird.\u201d<\/p>\n

Modern high-performing broilers are characterized by extremely high feed intake. This puts a lot of stress on the physiology of the entire gastrointestinal tract, but particularly so on the absorptive epithelial cells of the small intestine. Any organism requires a nutrient source for survival and reproduction. Dr Leeson asked \u201ccan we significantly reduce nutrient supply to pathogens, while sustaining bird productivity?\u201d<\/p>\n

He reminded the audience that no cellular function comes for free: so there is always a \u201ccost\u201d. A general conclusion is that 10% of nutrients can be used for immune function during disease challenge, and always get priority. Therefore, you don\u2019t want to overstimulate the immune system, which in extreme situations leads to an inflammatory response. In his presentation, Dr Leeson considered factors determining gut health and nutritional tools which are available to support gut health.<\/p>\n

Gut microflora<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Gut pathogens impact the bird and\/or the consumer. Clostridia<\/em> and E. coli<\/em> are the major concerns regarding bird health and productivity, whereas Salmonella<\/em> and Campylobacter<\/em> are major pathogens important for human health.<\/p>\n

The chick hatches with a gut virtually devoid of microbes, so early colonizers tend to predominate quite quickly. Microbial species present on the hatching tray, during delivery and during the first few days at the farm will likely dictate early gut colonization. In some instances, the chick\u2019s microflora may be established by the time it gets to the farm, so the probiotic faces more of a challenge to establish itself as the predominant species.<\/p>\n

Antibiotic alternatives<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Gut villi development matures at around 10-15 days of age. The broiler pre-starter diet therefore is a target for feed additives that positively impact gut structure and development.<\/p>\n