Dr. Nikita Deshmukh
Product Manager
GrinMicro Bioscience Pvt. Ltd., Pune
8693895643
Nikita.d@grinmicro.com
Poultry farming has become more than just an agricultural pursuit; it’s an intricate balancing act of health, productivity, and care. Among the various health issues that poultry farmers encounter, dysbiosis stands out as a growing concern. But what exactly is dysbiosis, and how does it affect poultry?
What is Dysbiosis in Poultry?
Dysbiosis refers to the imbalance of the gut microbiota: the beneficial bacteria that inhabit the intestines of poultry. Under normal conditions, these bacteria play a crucial role in digestion, nutrient absorption, and immune system regulation. When this delicate balance is disturbed, harmful bacteria can proliferate, leading to a variety of health problems for the birds.
The Role of the Gut Microbiota in Poultry Health
The gut microbiota of poultry comprises a vast array of bacteria, fungi and protozoa. The two dominant groups of bacteria in the poultry gut are Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes. These microorganisms work in synergy to break down food, produce essential vitamins, and protect the birds from pathogens.
Functions of Healthy Gut Microbiota A healthy gut microbiome is essential for optimal digestion and nutrient absorption. It breaks down complex carbohydrates, synthesizes vitamins (like B vitamins and Vitamin K), and produces shortchain fatty acids, which serve as energy sources for the bird. More importantly, it forms a defence barrier, preventing armful pathogens from colonizing the gut.
Causes of Dysbiosis in Poultry
Dysbiosis can be triggered by several factors:
- Poor Diet and Nutrition
An imbalanced or poor-quality diet is one of the leading causes of dysbiosis. Diets lacking in fiber or enriched with excessive protein can disrupt the balance of beneficial bacteria.
- Use of Antibiotics
While antibiotics can control infections, they also kill beneficial bacteria in the gut, creating opportunities for pathogenic bacteria to flourish. Prolonged or unnecessary use of antibiotics is a significant risk factor for dysbiosis.
- Environmental Stressors
Stress caused by poor living conditions, overcrowding, or extreme temperatures can alter the gut microbiota, leading to dysbiosis. Stress weakens the immune system and affects digestion, making birds more susceptible to gut imbalances.
- Disease and Infections
Infections from viruses, bacteria, or parasites like Eimeria (which causes coccidiosis) can significantly disrupt the gut flora, leading to dysbiosis.
Symptoms of Dysbiosis in Poultry
- Changes in Feces
One of the earliest signs of dysbiosis is changes in feces, such as diarrhoea, undigested feed in droppings, or an abnormal Odor. Loose or watery stools are common indicators of gut imbalance.
- Poor Weight Gain and Growth
Dysbiosis leads to reduced nutrient absorption, affecting the bird’s growth rate. You may notice stunted growth, poor weight gain, or birds failing to reach their expected size.
- Behavioural Changes
Affected birds may exhibit lethargy, reduced feed intake, or increased irritability. Chickens with dysbiosis often isolate themselves from the flock or show less activity.
How Dysbiosis Affects Poultry Health and Productivity
The consequences of dysbiosis are wide-ranging. It affects more than just digestion:
- Impact on Digestive Health
Dysbiosis leads to poor digestion and malabsorption of nutrients, contributing to nutrient deficiencies and suboptimal growth.
- Weakened Immune System
The gut microbiome is integral to the immune system. An imbalanced gut makes poultry more vulnerable to infections, diseases, and general illness.
- Reduced Feed Conversion Efficiency
Feed conversion ratio (FCR) is a critical metric in poultry farming. Dysbiosis compromises digestion, meaning birds need more feed to achieve the same growth, thereby reducing overall farm profitability.
Dysbiosis and Poultry Disease Connections
Dysbiosis can either be a result of or a contributing factor to several common poultry diseases:
- Necrotic Enteritis
Caused by Clostridium perfringens, necrotic enteritis often arises after a disruption in the gut microbiota, particularly following coccidiosis infection or antibiotic use.
- Coccidiosis
This parasitic disease damages the intestinal lining, allowing harmful bacteria to invade and dominate the gut, leading to dysbiosis.
- Clostridial Infections
Clostridial bacteria flourish in environments where beneficial bacteria have been diminished.
Dysbiosis provides the perfect conditions for infections such as botulism and enterotoxaemia.
Diagnosis of Dysbiosis in Poultry
- Clinical Symptoms
Observing the bird’s physical condition and behaviour can provide clues to the presence of dysbiosis. Symptoms like diarrhoea, weight loss, and poor feathering are key indicators.
- Laboratory Testing of Gut Microbiota
Veterinarians can perform faecal tests or gut swabs to analyze the microbial composition of the gut. This helps determine whether beneficial bacteria levels are low or pathogenic bacteria are overgrowing.
Prevention Strategies for Dysbiosis in Poultry
Preventing dysbiosis begins with maintaining a balanced diet and good management practices:
- Dietary Management
Feeding high-quality, well-balanced diet rich in fiber and essential nutrients can support gut health. Avoid excessive protein and ensure proper nutrient ratios. Incorporate Exogenous enzymes to facilitate digestion of undigested component of Feed.
- Probiotics and Prebiotics
Adding probiotics (beneficial bacteria) and prebiotics (substances that promote the growth of good bacteria) to the diet can help maintain a healthy gut microbiome. While selecting the probiotic strain it is necessary to understand the mode of action of strain. Especial probiotic strains for poultry like Bacillus Clausii or Saccharomyces Boulardii are preferred to treat Dysbiosis in Poultry.
- Maintaining Biosecurity
Ensuring strict biosecurity measures helps prevent the introduction of pathogens that can disrupt the gut microbiota. Clean environments, proper ventilation, and controlled access are crucial.
- Responsible Use of Antibiotics
Antibiotics as a Cause of Dysbiosis
While antibiotics fight bacterial infections, they also disrupt the balance of the gut microbiota by killing off both harmful and beneficial bacteria.
Using antibiotics responsibly and only when necessary is key to preventing dysbiosis. Alternatives such as probiotics can sometimes help manage minor infections without disturbing gut health.
- Environmental Management and Its Role in Gut Health
Managing Stress in Poultry
Minimizing stress by ensuring adequate space, proper ventilation, and a stable temperature reduces the likelihood of dysbiosis.