Research network and collaborations are key drivers to develop efficient feed innovations
The 8th International Conference on Poultry Intestinal Health assembled more than 800 professionals in Manila the Philippines on 17th to 19th April. The conference was a great opportunity to get insights of the latest developments of the fascinating topic of poultry intestinal health. The topics covered latest research on intestinal microbiome, pathogenesis and control of infectious diseases, and new models to study and solutions to improve the gut health of poultry.
Emerging Bacterial Diseases in Poultry by Professor Filip Van Immerseel (University of Ghent)
In his opening speech, Hankkija’s longtime research partner Professor Filip Van Immerseel from the University of Ghent, discussed about emerging and re-emerging bacterial pathogens in broilers. Until recently, the share of antimicrobials used for locomotive disorders in broilers has been less than 10 %. However, in recent years bacterial chondronecrosis with osteomyelitis (BCO) causing lameness, resulting from necrosis at bones and cartilage, has been an emerging disease in broilers. The main causes for the problem are Enterococcus cecorum and avian pathogenic E. coli (APEC), translocating from the gut to the bloodstream. Bacterial translocation in broilers happens mainly during the first two days of life and all factors that are increasing gut permeability increase bacterial translocation. That’s why all nutritional means that can reduce gut permeability are valuable.
Microbiota Analysis: Methods and Techniques
Professor Dana Stanley from the University of Queensland Australia highlighted the pros and cons of different analysis methods of microbiota and microbiome. Although commonly used 16S sequencing is relatively cheap and useful method, the data contains a lot of false signals and interpretation of the results should be done carefully. It’s also good to complement it with shotgun metagenomic analysis. She emphasized the need to carefully select intestinal sections for each experimental question and select the sampling age to ensure the relevance an accuracy of the results.
Importance of Intestinal Integrity
Dr. Nadia Everaert from University of Leuven Belgium compared high and low bodyweight broilers and found out that the gene expression of gut barrier function and nutrient transport was much higher in high bodyweight birds. This study again stresses the importance of intestinal integrity. Several presentations focused on gut health biomarkers and methods to study gut health. Up to my personal opinion, there are many potentially useful biomarkers but a “golden standard” is still missing.
Advancements in Smart Poultry Management by Professor Shayan Sharif (University of Guelph)
Professor Shayan Sharif from the University of Guelph Canada shed light on the recent developments in Smart Poultry Management with different sensors, digital surveillance tools, robots, big data analytics, and AI. It will be interesting to see how this area develops in the future.
Immune System Development in Avian Species by Professor Bernd Kaspers (University of Munich)
One of the most memorable presentations for me was “The maturation and function of the avian mucosal immune system” by Professor Bernd Kaspers from the University of Munich Germany. Although certain immune cells appear at early stages of life the development of antibody mediated immunity takes weeks and is dependent on the presence of microbes (or their antigens?) in the gut. This reminded me the proven benefits of Progut Extra in speeding up the immune maturation of young animals by presenting antigens to immune cell receptors, enhancing the production of chemo-attractants and thus affecting the immune maturation.
The conference was also a great opportunity to meet Hankkija’s customers from the Philippines and other countries, and to open new contacts.
