The efficient conversion of feed into its basic components for optimal nutrient absorption is vital for both broiler and broiler breeder production and welfare. Gut health, an intricate and complex area combining nutrition, microbiology, immunology and physiology, has a key role to play. When gut health is compromised, digestion and nutrient absorption are affected which, in turn, can have a detrimental effect on feed conversion leading to economic loss and a greater susceptibility to disease. In addition, recent changes in legislation on the use of antimicrobials, differing feed requirements and more efficient birds highlight the need for a better understanding of gut function and gut health.
Introduction to Immunity Immunity refers to the body's ability to resist or defend against infections, diseases, and other unwanted biological invasions. There are two main types of immunity. Innate immunity is the host's first line of defense against invading pathogens but some pathogens particularly immunosuppressive viruses have evolved sophisticated mechanisms to evade the host's innate immune responses and survive within the host. Adaptive Immunity targets...
1. Introduction Currently, with chickens on the path to becoming the most consumed meat worldwide and considering their potential role as reservoirs for zoonotic diseases, proper farm management has become a critical priority within the One Health framework, which emphasizes the interconnectedness of animal, human, and environmental health [1]. Concomitant with the increase of meat production, the escalating persistent problem of bacteria becoming resistant to antibiotics is linked...
1. Introduction Over the last few hundred years, humans have influenced the evolution of multiple animal species and different ecosystems involved in animal production [1]. This approach has led to the genetic change of domestic animals and has undoubtedly been driven by agriculture. The most important genetic changes in poultry production have occurred in the previous 60 years. Modern broiler chickens are likely the clearest example of these genetic improvements. Newborn chicks grow...
Dr. Siliveru Srinath from ABTL, discusses rising mixed viral and bacterial infections linked to feed toxicity and immunosuppression and explains how corn–soy diets, organic acids, toxin binders, and probiotics from ABTL help restore gut health and improve bird productivity. ...
Dr. Parag Mahadik from ABTL shares key challenges facing India’s poultry industry and explains how enzyme-based immunomodulators help protect bird health and performance. Insights on customer support, market stability, and nutrition strategies shaping today’s poultry sector. ...
The International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE) offers attendees access to the latest in protein and feed technology through exhibits and educational programming. TECHTalks are free, 20-minute technical presentations, offered each day at IPPE. For the 2026 IPPE, 90 presentations will be given in the TECHTalks theaters in the A-Hall at Booth A244, in the B-Hall at Booth B45011 and the C-Hall at Booth C14128.
The TECHTalks presentations will address many topics, including...
Dr Swati B, a veterinarian and technical team member at ABTL, addresses the growing challenge of antimicrobial resistance in poultry production. She explains how natural, synergistic solutions can reduce pathogenic load, improve gut health and immunity, and support antibiotic-free poultry systems aligned with One Health principles. ...
Winter brings a unique set of challenges to modern poultry production, especially in open or poorly insulated houses. As temperatures drop, chickens expend more energy just to maintain body heat, which diverts nutrients away from growth, egg production, and immune function. Prolonged cold stress elevates...
Dr. Yogisha S., Founder & CEO of Skanda Life Sciences, explains how end-to-end veterinary research supports safer, more effective poultry products. From E. coli and Salmonella challenge studies to toxicology, dosage optimization, and probiotics, his team helps pharma companies improve performance and reduce mortality. A clear case for why R&D is the backbone of sustainable growth for farmers, producers, and the entire poultry value chain. ...
Introduction Coccidiosis is the most prevalent enteric disease of major economic importance that affects the broiler industry worldwide, with annual global loss of more than $14 billion (Bafundo, 2025). Eimeria, a genus of apicomplexan parasites, cause coccidiosis in chickens, disrupting the host’s homeostasis and decreasing nutrient absorption and utilization. Seven species of Eimeria are widely known to affect chickens but E. necatrix, E. tenella, E. maxima, and E....
Author details: 1 Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM), Veterinary Medicine Graduate Program, Master in Animal Health and Reproduction, Santa Maria, Brazil; 2 Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM), Department of Animal Science, Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil; 3 Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM), Center for Rural Sciences, Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Laboratory of Diagnosis of Avian Pathologies, Santa Maria, Brazil; 4 Santa Catarina State...
1. Introduction Aflatoxins (AF) are secondary metabolites mainly produced by mycotoxigenic fungi of the genus Aspergillus [1]. AFB1 is one of the most extensively studied mycotoxins in humans and in a diverse range of animal species. It is widely acknowledged for its hepatotoxic and immunotoxic properties, and it has been classified as a Group I genotoxic carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) [2]. In sub-tropical and tropical countries, AFB1...
The poultry industry continues to invest heavily in research to deepen its knowledge of avian health and management, while identifying new strategies to strengthen overall industry performance. These innovations and related topics will be showcased at the International Poultry Scientific...
1. Introduction The poultry industry in the United States is one of the largest food industries worldwide, and chickens are commonly reared for meat production [1]. Annually, this industry generates over 10 million tons of litter to accommodate the growing number of birds necessary to meet consumer demands [2]. The poultry industry is faced with numerous challenges, the focal point being the issue of health. Several authors have posited diverse factors that impact the composition and...
Introduction Barley is one of the main cereals produced in Norway and is used in broiler feed in low amounts due to high content of non-starch polysaccharides (NSP) (Bedford 1995; Knudsen 2014; Svihus and Gullord 2002) and lower energy value compared to maize, wheat or sorghum (Choct and Annison 1990; Khalil et al. 2020). The NSP fractions comprising soluble βglucans and arabinoxylans have gel-forming characteristics and are known to increase intestinal viscosity (Choct 2006),...
Within the digestive system, the liver is the primary organ for nutrient transformation and distribution, as well as the elimination and excretion of metabolites. The quality of nutrition has a direct impact on liver health, as the liver performs vital functions. A balanced diet supports liver function and prevents diseases. In contrast, imbalanced or contaminated diets can damage the liver, increasing the risk of diseases. ...
Marisabel Caballero, Category Manager for Monogastrics at Hamlet Protein, explains how undigested protein in the hindgut affects gut health and performance, and why early availability of fast-digestible protein is critical for optimal digestive and immune development in young broilers. ...
PRO-MaXYL™ is a high-performance and refined enzyme combination to improve the performance of modern poultry diets. PRO-MaXYL is the comprehensive solution for flexible poultry diet formulation
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Lukas Bauer (Evonik Animal Nutrition) explains how targeted probiotic functions help stabilize gut microbiota when antibiotic growth promoters are removed. He details how improved microbial resilience supports digestibility, uniformity, and performance under high-pressure conditions. ...