Gut Health in Poultry

How can I manage my flock’s gut health?

In order to begin properly managing your flock’s gut health, it helps to begin monitoring and tracking your data. Once you conduct a health check on the present situation at your facility, you can then begin taking steps to improve the digestive health of your birds.

Why is gut health important?

Gut health is the foundation of performance and profitability. Scientists believe that 90% of diseases can be traced back to gut health and the microbiome. The establishment of the microbiome in young chicks or poults has a lifelong impact. Holistic nutrition and management practices provide the most optimal approach to understanding and managing your flocks’ health and performance and, in turn, your business.

Major challenges that impact gut health in poultry

• Coccidiosis
• Necrotic enteritis
• Clostridia
• Salmonella
• E. coli
• Heat stress
• Transportation stress
• Poor water consumption
• Improper nutrition
• Poor air quality and movement

Signs of poor gut health in poultry

• Diarrhea
• Mucosal discharge
• Mouth breathing
• Lesions
• Fast breathing
• Mortality
• Weight loss
• Efficiency loss
• Additional veterinary treatments and cost

5 ways to help prevent poor gut health enhance your birds’ gut health

1. Implement proactive, preventative solutions (such as a probiotic) that will help build the integrity and microflora of the gut.
2. Ensure that birds are receiving the proper diet and nutrient absorption throughout each stage of life.
3. Maintain proper housing conditions and water management.
4. Enforce strict biosecurity protocols.
5. Monitor the health and performance of your birds.