Animal Health Management

Preventive #HealthCheck in #Poultry: A Proactive Approach to Flock #Management In poultry farming, preventive health checks are crucial for #sustaining flock health, optimizing #performance, and minimizing economic #losses. A comprehensive health program should include regular #monitoring, #biosecurity protocols, and timely interventions to maintain flock integrity and #productivity. Key Aspects of Preventive Health in Poultry: #HealthMonitoring: Regular observation of bird behavior, feed intake, growth rates, and production parameters helps in early detection of any anomalies. Implementing diagnostic screening programs for common pathogens is also essential. #VaccinationPrograms: Tailored vaccination schedules based on farm location, bird species, and prevalent diseases ensure immunity against viral and bacterial threats like Newcastle Disease, Infectious Bursal Disease, and Avian Influenza etc. #Biosecurity: A robust biosecurity plan restricts pathogen entry into the farm. Strict control of human and vehicle traffic, hygiene practices, and pest control are fundamental to reducing infection risks. #Nutrition: A well-balanced diet supplemented with essential vitamins, minerals, and amino acids strengthens the immune system, reducing disease susceptibility. Special focus should be given to fortifying feed with supplements to counter stress and support liver function. #Deworming and Parasite Control: Routine deworming and control of external parasites like mites and lice are vital in preventing diseases and maintaining optimal bird health. Proactive and systematic health checks are the cornerstone of successful poultry farming, ensuring biosecurity, bird health, and higher returns. #PoultryHealth #PreventiveCare #Biosecurity #PoultryManagement #AnimalWellness #FlockProductivity

🚨 Most poultry farmers focus on feed and weight. But are you ignoring the one thing that controls both? 👉 Gut health is the silent engine behind growth, immunity, feed conversion, and even flock survival. I work with thousands of birds every week—and I’ve seen it firsthand: when gut health is weak, nothing else works. It starts with poor early weight, continues with leg issues, pasty vents, poor absorption, and ends in economic loss. 📌 Here’s what many still miss: The chick's gut develops 4x faster than any other organ during brooding. Villi growth in the first 7 days defines the bird’s efficiency for life. Even a small problem like biofilm in the water lines can destroy gut balance. Feed passage and wet droppings are not normal—your birds are trying to tell you something. 💡 My top tips: ✔ Use probiotics or organic acids early, especially during brooding or after antibiotics ✔ Keep water lines clean and acidified—biofilm forms fast ✔ Feed quality matters—but form and timing matter even more ✔ Don’t ignore poop—droppings tell you everything ✔ If you don’t see clear gut structure within 20 minutes post-mortem, you’re already too late I read the full Gut Health on the Farm guide from Aviagen, and honestly—it’s one of the best practical tools I’ve seen. If you care about performance and want to stop guessing, read it. I work with broilers, but I’m happy to share this guide with anyone. 📩 Message me or comment below, I’ll send it to you. 🧠 Let’s stop treating symptoms and start managing systems—from the gut out. #Poultry #Broilers #GutHealth #FarmManagement #AnimalHealth #PoultryWelfare #FeedEfficiency #Biosecurity #Probiotics #WaterSanitation

✅ Live Vaccination Protocol (Via Drinking Water) in Poultry A well-planned vaccination ensures flock protection and uniform immunity. Below is a stepwise protocol followed on farms for live vaccines through drinking water: 🔹 Pre-Vaccination Preparation Flush water lines thoroughly. Stop antibiotics, organic acids, menthol & bronchodilators 2 days prior. Provide anti-stress/electrolytes (except acids/antibiotics) before vaccination. 🔹 Water Management Calculate birds’ average 2-hour water intake (early morning, lights off at night before vaccination). Maintain vaccine water temperature at 2–8°C (use ice, monitor with thermometer/temp gun). Add skimmed milk powder or stabilizer 20 minutes before adding vaccine. Remove ice once desired temperature is achieved. Mix vaccine slowly & gently. 🔹 Vaccination Process Distribute vaccine water across all lines before switching on lights in the morning. Once vaccine reaches drinkers, switch on lights so birds drink actively. Vaccine water must be consumed within 1 hour. Cull/CP birds: vaccinate manually with oral dropper. If any vaccine water remains after 1 hour → flush with fresh water. 🔹 Post-Vaccination Care Refill tanks with normal water after confirming no vaccine remains. Provide anti-stress/electrolytes. Avoid antibiotics, acids, menthol, bronchodilators for 24 hours post-vaccination. 🔹 Vaccine Check & Monitoring Mortality check via postmortem: blue dye in gizzard/mouth confirms intake. Blood sampling: 1 day before vaccination (baseline). 7–15 days after vaccination (immune response monitoring). ✨ A smooth vaccination process reduces stress and ensures strong immunity development in the flock.

𝗔 𝗯𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗳 𝘀𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗼 𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗱𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝗽𝗼𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗿𝘆 1. A lack of protein and amino acids in the diet disrupts the body's immune system and increases the body's sensitivity to infectious challenges or exposure to stressful conditions. New research has been conducted on the relationship between amino acids and immune system function. 2. Amino acids play a role in regulating the activity of T lymphocytes, B lymphocytes, natural killer cells, and macrophages, and cause improvement in the redox state, cell reduction and lymphocyte proliferation, and also increase the production of antibodies and cytokinins. 3. Methionine is considered one of the most important amino acids that limit growth in broiler chickens that feed on corn and soybeans.Therefore, the needs of methionine and all amino acids that contain sulfur are used to improve the immune system and improve growth. Methionine supplementation in chickens infected with Newcastle virus enhances T-cell proliferation, immunoglobulin (IgG) secretion, leukocyte migration and antibody titers. 4. Taurine, which arises from the metabolism of sulfur amino acids, is a powerful antioxidant and is considered the most abundant free amino acid in lymphocytes and causes a decrease in the production of cytokines and prostaglandin E to initiate inflammation. 5. Lysine is a key amino acid for protein synthesis, muscle growth, cytokine synthesis, and lymphocyte proliferation, and thus plays a role in the optimal functioning of the immune system against chicken infections. 6. Chickens cannot produce arginine, and therefore depend on its supply through food. L-arginine has a major role in the immune response of chickens against the production of nitric oxide (ND) by macrophages, antitumor properties, increased lymphocyte weight, and increased ratio of heterophils to lymphocytes in response to viral infection. Research shows that the need for arginine in young chickens is mainly for the optimal functioning of the immune system and its importance rather than a matter of maximizing growth or food production. 7. Threonine is one of the main components of gammaglobulin in animal blood plasma. Dietary consumption of threonine is also effective on the components of the immune system of animals. Although there is no specific report on the importance of threonine on the immune system of birds, tretinoine is considered the third limiting amino acid. 8. It is known that the branched amino acids valine, leucine, and isoleucine play a role in the organs involved in the body’s immunity. However, it is difficult to examine the individual effects of each. 9. Finally, the fact that glutamine regulates the glutathione ester plays a role in defense against oxidative stress and is important for the production of purine and pyrimidine nucleotides for lymphocyte proliferation. The attached table shows a summary of the role of amino acids in the body’s immune response.

210. “The immune system doesn’t just protect the bird… it also competes with growth.” In modern poultry production, we often focus on genetics, nutrition, and management. But there is a silent variable that ultimately defines performance: 👉 The immune load of the bird When the immune system is activated, whether due to diseases or even vaccination programs, a profound shift occurs: 🔬 Metabolism is reprogrammed 🔬 Nutrients are diverted toward immune response 🔬 Energy expenditure increases 🔬 Growth declines and FCR worsens 👉 In other words: Every immune challenge comes with a production cost ⚖️ The real balance: immunity vs growth The article from ZOOTECNICA (March 2026, p. 32) makes this very clear: ✔ Low infectious pressure environments → superior performance ✔ Not because of genetics or feed… but due to lower immune activation 📊 Results include: 1. Higher body weight 2. Better FCR 3. Improved livability 👉 Because when the immune system is “at rest”: nutrients are directed toward growth 🧬 What happens inside the bird (and we often don’t see) During immune activation: 🔥 Cytokine production increases (IL-1, IL-6, TNF-α) 🔥 Feed intake decreases 🔥 Inflammatory pathways are activated (NF-κB, STAT3) 🔥 Catabolism increases 📉 Result: 1. Poorer feed conversion 2. Reduced weight gain 3. Inefficient nutrient utilization 👉 Even after vaccination, these effects can persist for several days. 🧱 The critical role of the gut (a real game changer) The intestinal epithelium is not just about absorption… 👉 It is the first line of defense Factors such as: Mycotoxins Heat stress Nutritional imbalances 💥 Damage the intestinal barrier 💥 Increase chronic inflammation 💥 Reduce production efficiency 🧪 Strategic nutrition under immune challenge The article highlights a key concept: 👉 It’s not enough to formulate for growth… 👉 We must formulate for immunity 📊 Observed outcomes: +4.3 g/day ADG +6.2% livability Improved FCR 🧭 The operational key (what really matters on farm) 👉 The best strategy is not just better nutrition… 👉 It is reducing the need for immune activation 🔴 Strong biosecurity 🔴 Control of subclinical challenges 🔴 Optimal environmental management 🔴 Strategic (not just intensive) vaccination programs The immune system is essential… but it is not free. 👉 Every time it is activated, it directly competes with growth. And that is the real difference between: ✔ Average systems ✔ High-performance systems A special thanks to the authors of this article for such a clear and practical perspective, to ZOOTECNICA magazine for sharing high-value technical content, and to Marianna, the editor, for bringing forward insights that truly drive progress in our industry. https://lnkd.in/gqsVZpEN #Poultryproduction #Animalnutrition #Guthealth #Immunity #Feedconversion #Zootecnica 

Nucleotides as feed additives: 1. What are Nucleotides? Nature: Nucleotides are organic molecules that serve as the monomer units for nucleic acids (DNA and RNA). Structure: A single nucleotide consists of three parts: **A nitrogenous base (purine: Adenine, Guanine; or pyrimidine: Cytosine, Uracil, Thymine) **A five-carbon sugar (ribose or deoxyribose) **One or more phosphate groups. 2. How Do They Work as a Feed Additive? Dietary nucleotides are not just broken down for energy; they are absorbed and utilized in specific, beneficial ways: **Enhanced Immune Function **Fuel for Immune Cells **Antibody Production Modulation of Immunity: Nucleotides can influence the balance of T-helper cells, promoting a more effective and appropriate immune response. Improved Gastrointestinal Health and Development: **Gut Morphology: Dietary nucleotides stimulate the growth and development of the small intestine. **Gut Microbiota: They favor the growth of beneficial bacteria (e.g., Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus) while suppressing harmful bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella. **Intestinal Repair: They support the rapid regeneration of gut lining cells, which is crucial during and after episodes of diarrhea or gut inflammation. Hepatic (Liver) Function: The liver is a significant site for de novo nucleotide synthesis. During stress, this demand can be an important energy drain. Providing dietary nucleotides reduces the metabolic burden on the liver, allowing it to allocate energy to other critical processes like detoxification and protein synthesis. **Lipid Metabolism: Nucleotides, particularly nucleosides, play a role in the synthesis and transport of lipids. They are involved in the formation of lipoproteins, which are essential for moving fats around the body. 3. Key Benefits in Animal Production **Improved Growth Performance: Especially in early-stage poultry, nucleotide supplementation leads to higher weight gain and better feed conversion ratios (FCR). **Enhanced Stress Resistance: Animals face stress during weaning, vaccination, transportation, and disease challenges. **Reduced Mortality and Morbidity: By bolstering the immune system and gut barrier, nucleotides help animals resist and recover from infections, leading to lower mortality rates, particularly in the critical early stages of life. **Valuable in Aquaculture: Fish and shrimp have a limited ability to synthesize nucleotides de novo. **Alternative to In-Feed Antibiotics: Like lysozyme, nucleotides are a key tool in strategies aimed at reducing the reliance on antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) by naturally enhancing the animal's own defense systems. 4. Applications in Different Species **Poultry (Broilers & Layers) **Aquaculture **Pets 5. Challenges and Considerations *Cost *Source and Quality *Dosage and Timing 6. Difference between Nucleotides and yeast extract (attached slides) #Nucleotides #poultry #fish #feed #feed All data serve as guidelines All the best., APN360

✨ Synergy Between Enzymes & Probiotics in Poultry Nutrition 🐓 In modern poultry production, maintaining gut integrity is key to achieving sustainable performance and profitability. One powerful approach is the synergistic use of enzymes and probiotics. 🔹 Enzymes like protease, xylanase, and phytase break down complex feed components, improve nutrient availability, and reduce anti-nutritional factors. 🔹 Probiotics balance gut microbiota, strengthen barrier function, and support immunity. When combined, they deliver: ✅ Improved nutrient utilization → better growth & FCR ✅ Stronger gut health & reduced enteric challenges ✅ Drier litter & lower nitrogen → better welfare ✅ Enhanced carcass yield & uniformity This synergy helps producers improve performance while moving toward sustainable and antibiotic-reduced poultry production. 💡 Have you tried enzyme + probiotic combinations in your flocks? What benefits have you observed? #PoultryNutrition #Enzymes #Probiotics #GutHealth #AnimalNutrition #FeedAdditives #SustainablePoultry

This recently published study explored the impact of supplementing #humate (300 mg/kg), Yucca (100 mg/kg), and their combination on #broiler chicken performance, measures of #guthealth, and #immunity. Some key findings from the 42-day trial conducted in Ross 308 broilers include: 🐓 Growth performance and #fcr improved significantly in the individual treatment groups, with the combo group having the greatest improvement 🦠 Gut (cecal) microbiota shifted positively: E. coli counts dropped, while beneficial lactic acid bacteria increased in each of the treatment groups. 💪 Apparent ileal digestibility of crude protein was increased in the Yucca and combination treatment groups; while the crude fat, and organic matter digestibility saw measurable gains in the groups supplemented with humate, Yucca, and the combination. 🩺 Serum immune markers (IgA, IgM) and thyroid hormone (T3, T4) were increased with humate, Yucca, or the combination indicating some potential immune stimulating effects. The findings with regards to humate supplementation in #animalfeed align well with our findings showing benefits with regards to improved livability and #animalhealth metrics. The combination with Yucca as well as the benefits observed using a relatively low dose of humate used are intriguing. https://lnkd.in/gzN4-Vkn