1. The establishment and maintenance of good gut function and immunity are vitally important in producing a strong and healthy bird.
2. Healthy gut is an effective digestive organ that can mount an effective defence against disease and cope with change.
3. The gut is the bird’s largest organ and the most extensive exposed surface in its body.
4. It is a selective barrier with physical, chemical, immunological and microbiological parts,
5. where digested feed and water are absorbed but disease-causing agents are kept under control.
6. The gut is also the organ that has the most immune cells in the body (approximately 70%), and many of these are located in the gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT).
7. These immune cells are the first line of active defence against pathogens, with the majority of immune cells found in the large intestine.
8. The enemies are viruses bacteria and protozoa .
9. Coccidiosis remains a constant challenge in even our best production systems and in floor-reared birds, and it is likely difficult to manage this situation without the use of coccidiostats.
10. There can be also toxic weapons, such as bacterial toxins or feed mould toxins to break down the fortress.
11. Mycotoxin disruption of the gut barrier function increases the permeability of the gut, impairs the absorption of nutrients, disrupts gut immunity
12. Feed additives , natural nutritional solutions and management routines are valuable tools for poultry health and generate a healthy, cost-effective, sustainable production system.
13. A broad-spectrum mycotoxin binder has been proven to reduce the health challenges associated with mycotoxins.
14. Competitive exclusion products like prebiotics and probiotics and other feed additives enzymes and acidifiers etc can assist the development of a healthy gut flora, intestinal wall and immune defence
15. Finally remember always a good external and internal biosecurity programme is important to minimise the impact of viral “enemies.”
By – Dr V. Rajendra Prasad,
Poultry Consultant, Hyderabad.
